KAT Suffers Meniscus Injury: Can Minnesota Survive Without Him?

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First reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns has suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee and will be out indefinitely. Shams has also reported that Towns has been looking at second opinions and what actions can be taken.

KAT has been a huge part of the success of the top-seeded Timberwolves. In the 60 games he’s played this season, KAT has averaged 22.1 points, and 8.4 rebounds per game on shooting splits of 50.6% from the field and a career-high 42.3% from beyond the arc. KAT’s play this season would be rewarded with his fourth All-Star appearance. The Wolves second-leading scorer and rebounder, KAT’s absence will be felt on the team immediately with other players needing to step in while he’s out.

For the Wolves, KAT’s injury could not have happened at a worse time. With the end of the season about five weeks out, KAT’s injury could affect the team going into the playoffs. As of March 7, 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves are tied for first in the Western Conference with a 44-19 record. In the three games the Wolves played without KAT this season they are 3-0. Looking at the remaining schedule ahead, the Wolves will be facing mainly playoff contenders with a few bottom-of-the-league teams as well. Notable matchups include the Lakers (twice), Cavaliers (twice) Clippers, Warriors, Suns (twice), and Nuggets (three times). With the second, third, and fourth seeds in the Western Conference all within three games of the Wolves, the next five weeks will be the most challenging stretch of the season. While it’s possible the Wolves can stay afloat the rest of the season, Minnesota could drop anywhere from second to fourth in the West (potentially down to fifth and losing home-court advantage in a worst-case scenario).

There is hope for Minnesota though. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid suffered a meniscus tear at the beginning of February and as of March 7th, reports have noted Embiid is in the weight room and beginning on-court workouts. While KAT has not decided what to do regarding his injury, if the injury is not severe, the hope is that he can return before or during the 2024 playoffs. In the meantime, the Wolves still have Rudy Gobert as well as Naz Reid coming off the bench (who may be moved into the starting lineup with KAT out). In the 63 games Reid has played this season, he has averaged 12.3 PPG and 4.8 RPG in 23 minutes per game.