Timberwolves Shorthanded Against Magic With Key Injuries

Minnesota will be without Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and others for crucial late-season matchup.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and form representing the dynamic action on the court.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic tension of a key late-season matchup between the shorthanded Timberwolves and the playoff-hungry Magic.Minneapolis Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be shorthanded for their matchup against the Orlando Magic, with Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Ayo Dosunmu, and Mike Conley all ruled out due to various injuries and rest. Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels are also listed as questionable. Despite the absences, the Timberwolves have already clinched a playoff spot and are largely locked into the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

This late-season game has significant playoff implications, as the Magic are in a tight race for the Eastern Conference Play-In tournament. The Timberwolves' injuries could give the Magic an advantage, as they look to improve their postseason positioning.

The details

Edwards will miss the game due to right knee injury maintenance, while Randle is out with right hand soreness. Dosunmu is sidelined with a right calf injury, and Conley is resting. Gobert and McDaniels are both dealing with injuries but are listed as questionable.

  • The Timberwolves and Magic will face off on April 8, 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is sidelined with a right knee injury.

Julius Randle

A veteran forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is out with right hand soreness.

Ayo Dosunmu

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is dealing with a right calf injury.

Mike Conley

A veteran point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is resting for this game.

Rudy Gobert

A star center for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is listed as questionable with an unspecified injury.

Jaden McDaniels

A young forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is questionable with a left knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“Minnesota @Timberwolves Status Report in advance of tonight's game at Orlando Magic: QUESTIONABLE Gobert- Rest McDaniels- Left Knee Patella Tendinopathy OUT Conley- Rest Dosunmu- Right Calf Injury Maintenance Edwards- Right Knee Injury Maintenance Randle- Right Hand Soreness”

— Timberwolves PR

What’s next

The Timberwolves will look to clinch their playoff spot, while the Magic will aim to improve their positioning in the Eastern Conference Play-In race.

The takeaway

This game highlights the importance of depth and injury management as teams jockey for playoff positioning late in the NBA season. The Timberwolves' injuries could open the door for the Magic to gain ground in the standings, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the playoff race.