The Timberwolves and Lakers go head-to-head in a potential playoff preview Thursday night in Los Angeles, but Minnesota will again be down at least two starters as Julius Randle (groin) and Rudy Gobert (back spasms) have been ruled out.

All-Star center Alperen Sengun has had big numbers this season versus Minnesota (+3.5), and the Timberwolves could be without Rudy Gobert.

The Minnesota Timberwolves may be without both Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle in Monday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Minnesota gave up 48 points in the first quarter, rallied all the way back, then faded in a way that drew criticism from coach Chris Finch.

Gobert (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers. Gobert will miss a fifth straight game Thursday for Minnesota while managing a back issue. The Timberwolves will likely continue to lean on Naz Reid to pick up the slack in the frontcourt,

Reid had 22 points (6-18 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and four blocks in 40 minutes during Sunday's 130-123 loss to the Thunder. With Rudy Gobert missing his third straight game with back spasms,

Gobert (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Rockets, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports. Gobert will miss a second consecutive game due to a back issue. The veteran big man's absence will likely result in a heavier workload for Naz Reid,

The Minnesota Timberwolves fell into a 23-point hole early, Anthony Edwards was ejected during the third quarter and they remained without Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert, and yet, the Wolves still found themselves in another nail-biter.

Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) smiles with Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (R) on the bench against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena.

Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves (31-25) will visit the Houston Rockets (34-21) at Toyota Center on Friday,. The game starts at 9:30 PM ET.In their last time out, the

Minnesota Timberwolves starting center Rudy Gobert was a surprise inactive for Friday's matchup with the Houston Rockets coming out of the All-Star break. After missing the Wolves' final game before the All-Star break on Feb.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said prior to Thursday's 111-102 loss to the Lakers that Randle (groin) and Rudy Gobert (back) are both "close" to playing in games, but no formal target date for either player has been established,