Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing tonight? Latest injury update for Timberwolves vs. Hawks

Nov 27, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) defends during the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) defends during the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time in months, Karl-Anthony Towns could be back on the court for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they take on the Hawks.

It’s been nearly four months since Karl-Anthony Towns last played for the Timberwolves. His 51-game absence began with a calf injury and an undetermined timeline that stretched far beyond initial expectations.

The Timberwolves have barely kept their heads above water, going 26-26 in his absence. But they’re still No. 9 in the Western Conference with nine games to go before the regular season ends and the Play-In Tournament begins. Now ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Towns may suddenly, and unexpectedly be ready to make his return.

Will Karl-Anthony Towns be able to play against the Hawks?

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported this morning that Towns is planning on playing tonight at home against the Atlanta Hawks. He’s officially listed as questionable in the official NBA injury report.

Getting Towns back in the lineup could be a huge boost for the Timberwolves but it will likely take him some time to get back up to speed after such a long absence. Even before the injury he had struggled a bit to adjust to the addition of Rudy Gobert and the continued emergence of Anthony Edwards. In 21 games, Towns’ scoring average had dropped nearly four points from the season, and both his rebounds per game and 3-point percentage were career-lows.

In their remaining games, Minnesota has several matchups with the teams clustered around them in the standings, including the Lakers, Warriors, Pelicans and Trail Blazers. Every win is essential in creating the best possible position for themselves for the Play-In Tournament and if Towns can give them anything, it will be a huge bonus.

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