Rudy Gobert moved off the out list Sunday, with a return date of November 2, the night of the Bucks game. Minnesota is 4-3 and ninth in the West after Victor Wembanyama scored 43 on them.
The Monday Target
Gobert was listed out with a back injury on October 31. Sunday brought the upgrade, and the report gives November 2 as his return date. He has averaged 12.3 rebounds in six games this season, and Joan Beringer, who played 35 minutes against the Spurs, finished minus 7. By our count, 2 of the 3 Wolves players newly listed as day-to-day since October 20 missed the next game. Around the league the figure is 58 percent.
A Margin Turned Negative
Minnesota was plus 2.2 a game for the season, but across its last 10 games the margin is minus 6.4. Saturday showed it: the Spurs ran off 10 straight points to open the fourth quarter and led 101-88. Dosunmu kept the Wolves close with 27 points, and Jaylen Clark hit two threes off the bench. Anthony Edwards remains out with a right knee injury, and the report puts his return at December 21. The Wolves sit half a game behind sixth place and level with the tenth seed.
Four Games, One Question
The Bucks come to town Monday. Then the Wolves visit Houston on November 4 and New Orleans on November 6, and host Utah on November 8. The open question is whether Minnesota can protect a playoff position through that stretch while Gobert's back and Edwards' knee decide who is on the floor. There are small markers along the way. LaMelo Ball is 3 threes short of 1,000, and Jaden McDaniels is 11 points short of 5,000. At this season's pace, by our count, each is a game or two away.
Will Rudy Gobert play against the Bucks?
He is listed as day-to-day with a back injury, and November 2, the date of the Bucks game, is the return date in the report. That makes it possible but not confirmed.
When is Anthony Edwards expected back?
Edwards is out with a right knee injury, and the report lists December 21 as his return date. Hoopsrumors reported on October 27 that he could miss two months.
