Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert Ruled Out vs. Rockets

Minnesota will be without its starting center as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:50am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange conveying the strategic considerations behind resting key players.The Timberwolves' cautious approach to player health reflects the team's strategic focus on the playoffs, rather than chasing regular season wins.Houston Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced that center Rudy Gobert will not play in their upcoming game against the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Gobert is being rested, while several other Timberwolves players are listed as questionable due to various minor injuries.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves have already clinched a playoff spot, so they are taking a cautious approach with their key players as the regular season winds down. Resting Gobert and monitoring the status of other injured players is a strategic move to ensure the team is healthy and ready for the postseason.

The details

In addition to Gobert being ruled out, the Timberwolves will also be without Joe Ingles due to personal reasons. Several other players, including Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu, Bones Hyland, and Julius Randle, are listed as questionable with various minor injuries.

  • The Timberwolves and Rockets will play on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Timberwolves only have two more regular season games remaining before the playoffs.

The players

Rudy Gobert

The Timberwolves' starting center, who is being rested for Friday's game against the Rockets.

Anthony Edwards

A Timberwolves player who is listed as questionable due to a right knee injury.

Julius Randle

A Timberwolves player who is listed as questionable due to right hand soreness.

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What’s next

The Timberwolves will continue to monitor the status of their injured players and make decisions about their availability for the team's final regular season games before the playoffs begin.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves are prioritizing the health and rest of their key players as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs, even if it means resting starters like Rudy Gobert for certain regular season games.