Wolves suspend Gobert post-punch for play-in game vs. Lakers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolvessuspended center Rudy Gobert for their play-in game against the LosAngeles Lakers, after the 10-year veteran threw a punch at teammateKyle Anderson in an argument in the huddle during a timeout.

The Timberwolves announced on Monday that Gobert would serve hisone-game punishment when they face the Lakers on Tuesday night.Gobert took a swing at Anderson and hit him in the upper chest inthe second quarter of Minnesota’s game against New Orleans onSunday, when the flustered Timberwolves were trailing by 12points.

The Timberwolves rallied to beat the Pelicans 113-108 and takeeighth place in the Western Conference. That gives them two chancesto win a play-in game to qualify for the playoffs. If they beat theLakers they’ll get the No. 7 seed and face Memphis in the firstround. If they lose, they’ll host the winner of the NewOrleans-Oklahoma City game on Friday night for the No. 8 seed and afirst-round date with Denver.

The Wolves also lost forward Jaden McDaniels on Sunday to a handinjury after he hit a wall in the tunnel that leads to the lockerroom after being called for his second foul in the first quarter.Another key player, backup center Naz Reid, is done for the seasonwith a broken wrist from a fall on the court in the game on March29 at Phoenix.