Kyle

Anderson

Anderson doesn’t have much fantasy appeal as a tweener who’ll likely back up Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green for stints. He averaged just 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season.

A reliable option off the bench for the Timberwolves, Anderson will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 79 games, SloMo averaged 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 22.6 minutes, shooting 46.0% from the field and 70.8% from the foul line. Anderson hopes that he and the Timberwolves come to terms on a new deal, with the fit being good on and off the court. “My family’s here,” Anderson said on Friday. “My son is on the spectrum. He’s doing really well here in the Minnesota school system, and his development is really key. And he’s doing so well, so, you know, that plays a part into it.” While he will have value among playoff-caliber teams, Anderson’s decision is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball significantly.

Due to a strained soleus muscle, Conley is playing at less than full strength. However, give the veteran point guard credit for pushing through the injury, as he had another efficient performance in Game 3. The issue is that the Timberwolves don’t have a good matchup for Conley on the defensive end of the floor. The calf injury keeps him from being effective in guarding Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving, and forwards Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington are too big. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (3/2/3 with one 3-pointer in 20 minutes) and Kyle Anderson (10 points, three assists, and two blocks in 17 minutes) may have to do a little more in Game 4 on Tuesday, but it won’t matter if the Timberwolves don’t get better play from Karl-Anthony Towns.

As has been the case throughout this season, Reid gave the Timberwolves solid production off the bench in Wednesday’s Game 1. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, their bench outscoring the Mavericks reserves by a 28-14 margin didn’t mean much. Kyle Anderson added 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer in 17 minutes, shooting 5-of-8 from the field. While Reid and Rudy Gobert (12/7/1/1/2 in 38 minutes) recorded full stat lines, the struggles of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards were too much to overcome. Minnesota will look to tie the series in Game 2 on Friday night.

With Rudy Gobert (personal) back in Minnesota, Anderson was the choice to fill the void in the starting lineup. SloMo was most impactful as a rebounder, with seven of his nine coming on the offensive end of the floor. Given how well the Timberwolves have played, those extra possessions seriously damaged the reigning champions. Add in eight assists and three “stocks,” and Anderson had a solid night at the office. Gobert should be available for Game 3 on Friday, which would bounce Anderson back to the bench.

Leading the series one game to none, the Timberwolves are without Rudy Gobert (personal reasons) for Game 2. Filling the void is Anderson, but the Stifle Tower’s absence also places more responsibility on Towns. KAT has picked up some silly fouls in the past; Minnesota can’t afford to have him land in early foul trouble if they’re to take a 2-0 lead.

While there were some questions regarding whether Gobert could make it back to Denver in time for Game 2 after being present for the birth of his child, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said he would not play. Naz Reid will play more minutes, likely as a starter, and Minnesota needs Karl-Anthony Towns to avoid committing silly fouls. Kyle Anderson should also experience an increase in playing time.

Minnesota took Game 1 on the road in Denver on Saturday, and Gobert’s absence would create a major hole in the Wolves’ roster for Game 2. If he’s ultimately unable to go, expect Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson to see bumps in playing time to fill the void.

Slow Mo will be available after logging just eight minutes in Friday’s Game 3 victory. He’s not expected to play a major role in Game 4.

Injured during Game 1, Anderson was a DNP-CD for Game 2 and only played eight minutes in Friday’s Game 3. If he remains limited, look for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to continue to play extended minutes off the bench.