The Minnesota Timberwolves have an injury-free roster heading into Friday night's contest against the Dallas Mavericks
The Minnesota Timberwolves enter Friday's NBA slate as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, as a win and a Los Angeles Lakers loss would push them into the fifth seed at the end of the day. Waiting in front of them is the Dallas Mavericks, who are in a far different situation.
After a successful All-Star break where he won All-Star Game MVP, Anthony Edwards will look to ride that momentum into next the second half of the season. Last year, he increased his scoring average and shooting percentages after the break, and Minnesota will hope he gets on that track starting Friday night.
Timberwolves Injury Report
Luckily for Minnesota, they have a clean bill of health coming out of the All-Star break.
Their lone name on the injury report is two-way player Rocco Zikarsky, as he's OUT due to being with the G League team. Zikarsky has not played for the Timberwolves this season, as he was drafted 45th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Down in the G League, he's posted averages of 15.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in 20 appearances. He won't till 20 years old till later this summer, so there's plenty of time for the Australian to develop, whether that's in Minnesota or elsewhere.
Mavericks Injury Report
Dallas' injury report is lengthy in contrast.
It is headlined by their two stars, Kyrie Irving (knee) and Cooper Flagg (midfoot), as both are ruled OUT for Friday's contest. For Irving, an announcement earlier this week revealed that even though it was believed he could return this season, the Mavericks are shutting him down for the remainder of the season to get healthy.
Dereck Lively II (foot) is also out for the season as well, as Dallas will have to wait till the 2026-27 season to see Flagg's supporting cast improve.
The rest of the names listed hold the following tags: Max Christie (doubtful; ankle), Moussa Cisse (doubtful; two-way), Daniel Gafford (questionable; ankle), Miles Kelly (questionable; two-way), Caleb Martin (questionable; ankle), and Ryan Nemberhard (doubtful; two-way).
Game Preview
Even though the Mavericks are without several key players, the Timberwolves can't overlook them like they have in games past this season.
With Minnesota holding losses to the New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz, and Sacramento Kings this season, they've proved they can lose to inferior competition due to not taking them seriously.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST, as the Timberwolves look to come out of the All-Star break with a win.