NBA Preseason: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Brooklyn Nets Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting Fives
On Thursday, the undefeated Minnesota Timberwolves and the Brooklyn Nets will play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, to conclude their pre-season campaign.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are eager to finish their friendly games on a high note after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers. As they prepare to begin their NBA season, head coach Chris Finch will most likely give his regulars their typical minutes.
Only Kyrie Irving is unable to play for Steve Nash after the Brooklyn Nets opted to bench him until he participates fully in all of the team’s operations. Nash will, though, most certainly keep an eye on Kevin Durant and James Harden’s minutes. He wants them to be fresh now that Irving won’t be able to play unless he receives the immunization.
Injury Report for the Minnesota Timberwolves
Jordan McLaughlin has been ruled out with a right groin strain, while D’Angelo Russell is a late scratch for rest. Josh Okogie’s status is in doubt after complaining of right ankle pain. Patrick Beverly is still on the bench due to his suspension. The Timberwolves might start Jaylen Nowell, who had a good game against the LA Clippers, without their primary ball handlers.
Injury Report for the Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets’ roster is healthy, but Kyrie Irving will be missed. Nash has been able to experiment with his lineup due to Irving’s absence throughout the preseason. Joe Harris has been starting in his stead for the past several games and will most likely do so against the Timberwolves as well.
Predicted Lineups for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Except for point guard Jaylen Nowell head coach Chris Finch could keep the same starting lineup as the previous game. Anthony Edwards will start at shooting guard, looking to build on another strong performance.
GET OUT THIS MAN’S WAY 🐜🐜🐜 pic.twitter.com/Oka8F01WH6
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 12, 2021
All-Star center The middle will be manned by Karl-Anthony Towns. Malik Beasley will play small forward, while Jaden McDaniels, who has surprised many with his play, will play power forward with Towns.
Brooklyn Nets
When the regular season begins, Steve Nash is expected to remain in this lineup. With sharpshooter Joe Harris at the shooting guard position, James Harden will run the offense. Kevin Durant will start at power forward, while Bruce Brown Jr. will start at small forward. Nash is anticipated to stick with Blake Griffin at center unless he decides to rest him.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Brooklyn Nets Predicted Starting fives
Midweek improvements 📸 pic.twitter.com/zDzB1VsGGu
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 13, 2021
Minnesota Timberwolves
Point Guard – Jaylen Nowell | Shooting Guard – Anthony Edwards | Small Forward – Malik Beasley | Power Forward – Jaden McDaniels | Center – Karl-Anthony Towns
Brooklyn Nets
Point Guard – James Harden | Shooting Guard – Joe Harris | Small Forward – Bruce Brown Jr. | Power Forward – Kevin Durant | Center – Blake Griffin