Overview
- Jaxson Hayes was upgraded to available against the Timberwolves after missing three games with left patellar tendinopathy.
- Marcus Smart was downgraded to out with a right quadriceps contusion for a second straight game, per the NBA injury report.
- Coach JJ Redick said Luka Dončić could return in the next couple of games following a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion.
- Redick indicated LeBron James is tracking toward a mid‑November return window as he rehabs right‑side sciatica.
- With Dončić, James and others sidelined, Austin Reaves has carried the offense with consecutive 51‑ and 41‑point outings, while Minnesota is also without Anthony Edwards due to a hamstring strain.