D'Angelo Russell has been out of the lineup for quite a while for the Minnesota Timberwolves and he's inching toward a return. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Russell is expected to return to the Timberwolves on Monday versus the Sacramento Kings.
After missing 26 games due to knee procedure, Minnesota Timberwovles guard D’Angelo Russell will return to the lineup tonight vs. Sacramento, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 5, 2021
Before his return on Monday, Russell has missed the past 26 games for the Timberwolves after undergoing a knee procedure earlier in the season. In the 20 games that Russell played in before his knee ailment, he was recording 19.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
His 19.3 points per game were the lowest mark of his career since his 2017-2018 season with the Brooklyn Nets. During Russell's absence from the lineup, Minnesota posted a dismal 6-20 record. It should be noted that the Timberwolves were 6-14 when Russell was able to play.
Seeing that Russell hasn't suited up in a game since February 8, the Timberwolves will probably limit his minutes against the Kings on Monday night. Also, with Russell returning to the floor, Anthony Edwards and Malik Beasley could see less usage on the offensive end.
Due to his injury woes this season, and Karl-Anthony Towns having concerns with COVID-19, the Timberwolves haven't had many opportunities to see their lineup at full strength. Even though Minnesota boasts a league-worst 12-38 record, having Russell back can help them get a glimpse of their future.
The 25-year-old guard was acquired by the Timberwolves from the Golden State Warriors in February of last year for a top-three protected 2021 first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick.
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