Minnesota Sports Forum

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Mon Jan 19, 2026 6:15 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Mon Jan 19, 2026 5:32 pm

60WinTim wrote: ↑Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:55 pm Not to be a Debbie Downer, but the Wolves have recalled Freeman up for the game at Utah. This suggests that NAZ and/or Rudy may not be available tomorrow...

On the bright, more minutes for Baby Deer!

Yeah, we've been quite fortunate with injuries this season, and we have to hope Naz and Rudy are okay. Utah will be playing back to back and have a few guys out tonight with injuries and illness, so we have some advantages in tomorrow's game.

I also get the feeling that the Wolves are being more conservative with injuries than any other time in the Finch era. I think there are two reasons for this: 1) To ensure the top six guys are healthy and fit for the playoffs, and 2) to get a good look at the bench guys with added responsibility put on their plate before the trade deadline.

I think you’re probably right, Q. It’s really important to have our core guys healthy come playoff time. I also think it’s essential to give meaningful minutes to key young talent to get a sense of what they might be able to provide at playoff time and also develop them even if it means a few more losses. This team should finish no lower than 4th with a good shot at 2nd and third in the Conference even with more time for young guys like Beringer, Rob and Shannon (when he’s healthy).