Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert gives health update after serving team-imposed suspension: ‘Still pretty sore’

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert missed Tuesday’s inning game after he punched teammate Kyle Anderson during a heated argument.

The incident occurred at the meeting during a timeout in the second quarter of Minnesota’s final regular season game.

The Timberwolves suspended Gobert for the game against the Lakers as a penalty, and Minnesota lost 108-102 in overtime to Los Angeles.

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Speaking to reporters Thursday for the first time since the incident, Gobert said he probably wouldn’t have been healthy enough to play the Lakers anyway.

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His goal is to return Friday when the Wolves host Oklahoma City in their last playoff chance, but there’s no guarantee he’ll play.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks against Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the first half of a game on March 29, 2023 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

«I’m still in a lot of pain. I’m still not moving like I’d like to be able to move, but there’s a little bit of progress every day,» said Gobert, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Gobert met with his teammates Thursday as the Timberwolves continue to prepare for Friday’s inning game against Oklahoma City.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert plays defense during the first half of the team’s game against the Utah Jazz on December 9, 2022 in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

As of Thursday, the big man is listed as a doubt for Friday’s game.

A few days after the incident, ESPN reported that the Timberwolves were somewhat understanding of Gobert’s reaction due to Anderson’s comments about the snap.

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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Anderson called Gobert «b—-» on a night when he was playing through an injury.