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Karl-Anthony Towns Cleared for Full-Contact; Return Date Still Murky

Originally posted on Minnesota Sports Fan
By Ezra Greenman | Last updated 4/9/24

With just four games remaining before the NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves sit atop the Western Conference via tiebreaker with the Denver Nuggets. That makes these the final four games of their regular season crucial, if they want to land the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and home court advantage through the West finals.

Having Karl-Anthony Towns back for any of these remaining contests would be helpful in making that happen. So on Tuesday, when the Timberwolves announced that KAT has been cleared for 5-on-5 full contact basketball, it was a big deal, not just locally, but across the NBA.

NEWS: Karl-Anthony Towns Injury Update

Towns has been cleared for full-contact, 5-on-5 basketball activities and is progressing toward his return to play.

Full release:https://t.co/dyIGz0x3EM
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) April 9, 2024

Towns’ recovery progress has slightly surpassed expectation. Initially, it was believed he’d need at least a few games in the first round, before he’d be ready to hit the court. The plan now, however, seems to be game action, before the postseason starts.

When will Karl-Anthony Towns return to Minnesota Timberwolves lineup?

According to local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP), it’s possible we see Towns as soon as Wednesday vs Denver (a game that could decide the No. 1 seed). More likely, we’ll see him on (maybe) Friday, or (probably) Sunday, for the Wolves’ regular season finale vs the Phoenix Suns, a team they could realistically matchup with in the 1st round.

The question is, not tonight, but could it be Friday against Atlanta or Sunday against Phoenix? Or do the Wolves wait the extra week, and he is back for game-1, either April 20th or 21st?
Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

The return of KAT to the lineup should add even more firepower to an already explosive Timberwolves’ offense. Before tearing his meniscus on March 7th, Towns was averaging 22.4 PPG and 8.4 RPG.

While his meniscus recovery certainly sidelined him for longer than ideal, but he’s still played 60 games already this season, a number I was surprised to see.

Anthony Edwards speaks about Karl Anthony Towns postgame:

“KAT coming back, KAT will be back” pic.twitter.com/wtUWAlNydw
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) April 8, 2024