The Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns enter Friday’s NBA Cup matchup with notable injury concerns that could impact rotations and game plans at the Footprint Center.
Minnesota will be without Enrique Freeman and Terrence Shannon Jr., both sidelined due to G League assignments and a left fifth metatarsal bone bruise, respectively. Joe Ingles and Jaden McDaniels are questionable with a left groin soreness and a left wrist sprain.
Phoenix faces its own setbacks, with Grayson Allen, Rasheer Fleming, and Jalen Green all out due to injuries ranging from quadriceps contusion to hamstring strain. These absences remove key scoring and perimeter depth for the Suns, who have relied heavily on Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks.
Anthony Edwards continues to lead Minnesota with 25.2 points per game, complemented by Julius Randle’s 25.0 points and 6.1 assists per game. Jaden McDaniels adds 17.5 points when available, while Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid anchor the Timberwolves’ rebounding with 9.9 and 6.0 boards per game, respectively.
For Phoenix, Booker averages 27.8 points and 6.9 assists, while Brooks contributes 20.9 points per contest. Mark Williams provides inside presence with 8.2 rebounds per game, though Allen’s absence removes another 18.5 points per game from the lineup. Collin Gillespie and Royce O’Neale add secondary playmaking and defensive versatility.
Both teams are coming off wins. Minnesota secured consecutive victories against the Wizards and Mavericks, improving to 10-5, while the Suns split their last two games, beating the Trail Blazers 127-110 but falling to the Hawks 124-122, leaving them at 9-6.
This season marks the first meeting between the Timberwolves and Suns. Tip-off is set for 9:00 PM ET at the Footprint Center.
