Jaylen

Clark

Randle logged 34 minutes Sunday in his first game back in over a month. He’s now questionable with the same injury that kept him out for that extended period. Should he miss another game, guys like Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. could see additional run, while Naz Reid would be in line for monster minutes and usage since Rudy Gobert is already out.

Sunday’s game was Randle’s first since January 30, so the minutes tally (34) was surprising. However, he looked sharp on the court, shooting over 50 percent from the field and grabbing six rebounds. Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. combined to play 18 minutes on Sunday, with Randle and Anthony Edwards back in the lineup. Redraft league managers who held onto either Clark or Shannon can free up a roster spot with Randle playing starters’ minutes in his first game back.

The Timberwolves have made two changes to the lineup that started Thursday’s loss to the Lakers, one due to suspension (Anthony Edwards). Also out of the lineup is Jaylen Clark, who heads to the bench, with Alexander-Walker and Shannon moving in.

While Gobert was present for Wednesday’s practice, he did not participate; he only received treatment for his lower back. Randle was not with the team for the session and will not play on Thursday. Naz Reid will remain in the starting lineup. Due to his defensive ability, rookie Jaylen Clark will likely be a starter as well.

Gobert, who has missed the last four games with lower back spasms, only received treatment during Timberwolves’ practice. As for Randle, who has missed the last seven games with a strained groin, he was not with the team for the session. Neither player appears on track to return for Thursday’s game against the Lakers, meaning Naz Reid will remain in the starting lineup. Jaylen Clark has started the last two games, and the need to match up with Luka Doncic and LeBron James may keep him in that role.

Initially on a two-way deal, the 2023 second-round pick has played well enough this season to earn a standard contract. Clark has appeared in 17 games this season after missing the entire 2023-24 campaign with a ruptured Achilles tendon, and he has been a factor as a wing defender. The contract gives Clark some security, and while he may not significantly impact fantasy basketball, he’s a helpful option for the Timberwolves, especially defensively.

Clark exited Sunday’s loss to the Thunder due to neck pain as he hit the back of his head on the court in an awkward fall. He started on Sunday, taking on the unenviable task of defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and that may remain the case for the rematch.

Gobert will sit out a fourth-straight game, which means Naz Reid should continue to feast. Clark is questionable after sustaining a neck injury on Sunday, and if he can’t go, Nickeil Alexander-Walker would likely move back into the starting five.

Clark, who started Sunday’s game to match up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, exited with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter. The rookie wing landed awkwardly after attempting a layup, hitting the back of his head on the court. Clark had 14 points, one rebound, four steals and two three-pointers before being ruled out with neck pain. Nickeil Alexander-Walker will play more, especially if Clark misses time beyond Sunday.

Clark will replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the starting five for his second start of the season. Clark finished with a modest 4/3/1/2 line across 24 minutes in his first start, and fantasy managers shouldn’t expect monster numbers on Sunday.