Timberwolves announce punishment for Rudy Gobert's punch

Minneapolis, Minnesota - Rudy Gobert has been suspended by the Minnesota Timberwolves for Tuesday's play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers for throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a chaotic brawl.

Rudy Gobert has been suspended by the Minnesota Timberwolves for throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during
Rudy Gobert has been suspended by the Minnesota Timberwolves for throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during  © USA TODAY Sports

The Timberwolves announced the one-game suspension of the 10-year veteran on Monday, after he clashed with Anderson during his team's win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

He later issued an apology.

As the No. 8 seed, the Timberwolves will have two opportunities to win a play-in game and earn an NBA playoff berth.

Cowboys coach reveals quarterback Dak Prescott's future after major injury
Athletes Cowboys coach reveals quarterback Dak Prescott's future after major injury

If Minnesota wins at Los Angeles, they will clinch the No. 7 seed and face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

If they lose, however, the Timberwolves will return home Friday to host the winner of the Pelicans-Oklahoma City Thunder game for a chance at the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Denver Nuggets.

In addition to facing the Lakers without their top rim protector in Gobert, Minnesota will also be without Jaden McDaniels after he sustained a broken wrist from punching a wall in the tunnel that leads to the locker room on Sunday.

Acquired from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster trade last summer, the 30-year-old Gobert averaged 13.4 points, a team-leading 11.6 rebounds, and 1.36 blocks (the 12th-most in the NBA) in 70 games in his first season with the Timberwolves.

Cover photo: USA TODAY Sports

More on Athletes: