Update: Chris Finch expected to return despite injury / News - Basketnews.com

Despite a torn patellar tendon, coach Chris Finch aims to return for the Western Conference semifinals.

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There's growing optimism that Minnesota head coach Chris Finch, despite his torn patellar tendon, will be seated near the bench for the Timberwolves-Nuggets Western Conference semifinals starting Saturday night, as reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski.

Free throws this season

78%18,1Points made:18,1Accuracy:78,1%Place in standings:9Record max:30Record min:6Most made FTs:Anthony EdwardsTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Assistant coach Micah Nori will take on a more active role given Finch's limited mobility, and he's expected to have the Coach of the Year candidate along the bench area.

Finch recently underwent surgery to repair the ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, an injury sustained late in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.

Nori has been at the forefront since then, but Finch had already outlined the strategy for the series against the Nuggets before going into surgery.

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