timberwolves center Rudy Gobert Minnesota announced it was ruled out of Saturday’s game against Houston after entering NBA health and safety protocols (Via Twitter).
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic (twitter link), Friday’s loss to Milwaukee saw Gobert listed as suspect (ill), but was set to play 30 minutes in the game and is now in protocol. This is not a great situation for those involved, Gobert is known to be the first NBA player of his kind to test positive for COVID-19 in March 2020.
The league revised its COVID-related protocols over the summer and now requires testing only if vaccinated players show symptoms of the virus. Unvaccinated players will be tested once a week. must receive Players are subject to quarantine after testing positive.
If Gobert records a positive COVID-19 test, he must remain in protocol for at least five days, unless he records two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart. A five-day absence, in addition to tonight’s contest, will miss him next week’s games against the Knicks and Suns, with a likely return next Friday in Memphis.
The Timberwolves have had a rocky start to the 2022/23 season after making a blockbuster trade for Gobert from Utah in July and are currently trailing 4-5. As a three-time Defensive Player of the Year he has been as productive as an individual, averaging 12.6 points over nine games (32.2 minutes) and his league-best 13.9 rebounds and 1.6. recording blocks.
After the Wolves traded two starters on a deal for Gobert, it was expected there would be an acclimation period, and that has proven to be correct. Temporarily losing Gobert certainly won’t help, but it’s worth noting that Minnesota started slow last season and made it to the playoffs after a surge in the second half.
