Naz

Reid

Reid’s production tailed off considerably after scoring 14 points or more in the first three games of the Western Conference Finals. He only attempted six shots in Game 4, but Game 5 was arguably his most disappointing effort of the postseason. The five points were the fewest in a game for Reid since Minnesota’s Game 2 win over Phoenix in the first round, and he missed all four of his 3-point attempts. While Reid finished the regular season ranked outside the top 100 in fantasy, he was a dependable option despite coming off the bench. Minnesota would likely have to move Karl-Anthony Towns or Rudy Gobert for his ceiling to be raised.

With Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns again struggling, Reid was the Timberwolves player who upped his production in Game 2. The NBA Sixth Man of the Year hit seven of his first eight 3-point attempts and had a chance to save the Mavericks in the final seconds. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Reid’s final attempt rattled out, and they now head to Dallas in an 0-2 hole. Reid scored 38 points on 59.1% shooting from the field in the first two games, and Minnesota will need similar production in Game 3.

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.

After missing Game 2 to be present for the birth of his first child, Gobert was back in the lineup for Game 3. He and the Timberwolves attempted to land a decisive blow early in Friday’s game but failed, and the reigning champions eventually pulled away. Neither Gobert nor Naz Reid (7/1/1/1 with one 3-pointer in 21 minutes) could do much with Nikola Jokic, who finished with a plus-30 rating. Gobert and the Timberwolves will look to take a 3-1 series lead on Saturday night.

The Timberwolves are taking a 2-0 lead home to Minneapolis, winning Game 2 dominantly despite not having Rudy Gobert (personal). Reid wasn’t the choice to fill the void in the starting lineup (Kyle Anderson was), but that didn’t keep him from impacting the action defensively. The NBA Sixth Man of the Year blocked four shots while hitting four 3-pointers and tallying 14 points. And Reid wasn’t the only reserve to show off his shot-blocking abilities. Nickeil Alexander-Walker racked up three blocks while also tallying 14 points, six rebounds, one assist, and four 3-pointers in 30 minutes. Minnesota’s bench has been superior through two games, and that’s unlikely to change when the series shifts to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday.

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.

Reid averaged just 9.5 points across 18.5 minutes in the Wolves’ first-round series against Phoenix, but he played a more pivotal role in Game 1 of the semis. Reid came alive when it mattered most, delivering 14 of his 16 points in the decisive fourth quarter. This season’s Sixth Man of the Year has provided microwave scoring when called upon, and he delivered in the biggest moment of his career to date. He’ll look to keep it going in Game 2 on Monday.

Anderson exited early in Game 1, and there is a chance that he remains sidelined for Game 2. If he is sidelined, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Towns will take on most of his minutes, though Naz Reid and Monte Morris will take on larger roles off the bench as well.

Gobert did not record any defensive stats, but he was elite on the backboards in Saturday’s series opener. He led all players in offensive (six) and total (16) rebounds while also going a sparkling 6-of-7 from the foul line. Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic may not be a headliner in this series, but Gobert thoroughly outplaying him consistently would go a long way toward getting the Timberwolves to the second round. Naz Reid also gave the Timberwolves solid production, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 19 minutes off the bench.