Overview
- Marcus Smart was downgraded and ruled out with a right quadriceps contusion, marking his second straight missed game.
- Jaxson Hayes is available after three games out with left patellar tendinopathy, giving the Lakers needed frontcourt depth behind Deandre Ayton.
- LeBron James (right sciatica), Luka Dončić (left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion), Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain), Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain) and Adou Thiero (knee surgery recovery) remain unavailable.
- Austin Reaves has taken on primary scoring and playmaking duties with back-to-back 51- and 41-point performances.
- Minnesota is also short-handed with Anthony Edwards sidelined by a right hamstring strain, with tipoff set for 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN at Target Center.