The Minnesota Timberwolves have their backs up against the wall. After fending off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals with a 105-100 victory in Dallas, the Timberwolves have avoided being swept. However, their next game ahead now becomes the most important game of the season, as they will be looking to extend this series longer than many anticipated when the Mavs took a commanding 3-0 lead. The Timberwolves are going to need all hands on deck in Game 5 on Thursday night, but Mike Conley's status remains uncertain due to a lingering calf injury. This has led many to ask the question: Is Mike Conley playing in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Mavericks?
Mike Conley injury stats vs. Mavericks
Once again, Conley finds himself on the Timberwolves' injury report with what the team has classified as a right soleus strain. He is currently listed as questionable to play against the Mavs, but the veteran point guard has been dealing with this injury and has yet to miss a game in this series as a result.
While the severity of the strain is unknown, this is the same type of injury that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo dealt with late in the regular season and into the playoffs. He was forced to miss all of the Bucks' playoff games. Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis has also been dealing with a right soleus strain and has missed 10 straight playoff games.
One thing that the Timberwolves can always count on is Conley's toughness. The veteran is always willing to lay it all out on the line for his team, and they are going to need this from him in front of their home faithful on Thursday night against a Mavs team that has dominated them for the vast majority of this conference finals series.
Through the first four games of this series against Dallas, Conley has averaged 13.5 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the floor and 36.4 percent from three-point range.
Although he is now 36 years old, Conley continues to prove that he can still be a weapon for his team on offense. Next to Anthony Edwards, Conley has helped stabilize the Timberwolves offense, and he has been their leader both on and off the court. His availability is key to the Timberwolves possibly extending this series and putting all of the pressure on the Mavericks.
A trip to the 2024 NBA Finals is on the line. Minnesota is not out of it yet, but they are going to need their experienced point guard ready to play if they are to have a chance to force a Game 6 in Dallas on Saturday.
So, when it comes to the question of whether Mike Conley is playing in Game 5 on Thursday night, it appears likely that he will suit up and continue to fight through his current calf injury. The Timberwolves will provide further updates on Conley's status later in the day.
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