NBA Rumors: Mike Conley Jr. Set to Return from Calf Injury for Wolves-Nuggets Game 6
May 16, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley Jr. is reportedly "expecting to return" for his team's must-win Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday after missing the previous contest with a right calf strain.
Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported the news on Conley, who is listed as questionable on the official NBA injury report.
The ex-Ohio State star was notably present at shootaround Thursday, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin:
The 17-year NBA veteran has averaged 11.4 points on 45.7 percent shooting (44.2 percent from three), 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals for the third-seeded Timberwolves, who won their first two matchups against the No. 2 Nuggets before dropping their last three.
Without Conley, the T-Wolves turned to Nickeil Alexander-Walker to start at point guard. Alexander-Walker had 14 points and five assists in 40 minutes. Monte Morris served as the backup point guard with six points and three dimes in 11 minutes.
Minnesota lost Game 5 by a score of 112-97 after Nikola Jokić's 40-point, 13-assist outing.
Having Conley back is obviously a welcome sight. He has averaged 10.8 points and 7.8 assists in his four playoff games versus Denver.
Minnesota once sat firmly in the driver's seat in this series after opening the matchup with two road wins. But Minnesota has lost the last three matchups by a combined 50 points as the defending champions have picked them apart.
Tipoff for Game 6 is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET in Minneapolis.
