Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star heart Karl-Anthony Cities will bear surgical procedure to restore a torn left meniscus, and sources instructed ESPN on Thursday night time that he’s anticipated to be again by early within the Western Convention playoffs.
Cities will likely be reevaluated in 4 weeks, however the process is predicted to present him the chance to return someday within the early a part of the postseason, sources mentioned. The Timberwolves (44-19) are combating for the No. 1 seed within the Western Convention, holding onto a half-game lead over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Cities will bear the surgical procedure early subsequent week.
Cities conferred with staff docs and specialists on a plan of action as soon as an MRI found the tear in latest days, and dedicated to the quick process as a result of it offers him an opportunity to rehab and get again to the staff for what’s turning into one of the best common season in franchise historical past.
Cities, who made his fourth All-Star Sport in 2024, is one among 5 gamers within the NBA averaging 20 factors, 50% capturing and 40% on 3-pointers, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Info analysis. The Timberwolves have a 116.5 offensive effectivity with Cities on the ground — and 106.1 with out him, per Stats & Info.
The Timberwolves have a deep frontline, and Naz Reid will see elevated minutes in Cities’ absence.