The 22-7 Minnesota Timberwolves sit at the top of the Western Conference. With a fairly comfortable lead, the Wolves have been one of the biggest surprises in the league so far this season. With a bounty of questions about how their pieces would fit together, Minnesota has molded an elite defense and a competent offense led by two star players in Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, the team might be without one of those two stars on Thursday when they host the Dallas Mavericks.

Karl-Anthony Towns' Timberwolves impact

On the year, Karl-Anthony Towns has been playing arguably the best basketball of his career. The raw numbers are still intact, averaging 22.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

Towns is firmly in the mix for an All-Star spot, especially given his efficiency. On the year, Towns is posting impressive 51.5/41.4/90.1 splits. On pace to join the illustrious 50-40-90 club, Towns' greatness is often overlooked. As a leader sacrificing to co-star Anthony Edwards, Towns has emphasized the defensive end of the floor. His attention to detail has greatly contributed to the league’s best defense on a night to night basis.

Karl-Anthony Towns injury update

Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns with smoke coming out his nose and ears

Towns was initially listed as questionable to play against the Mavs with left knee soreness. However, Wolves coach Chris Finch told reporters before Thursday's game that he is available to play vs. Dallas.

The seven-footer is coming off a tough night on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. KAT scored just 16 points in 29 minutes of action as Oklahoma City outplayed Minnesota from the jump. After missing a game last week versus the Sacramento Kings, Towns just didn't look like himself in OKC.

We'll see how he fares in another tough Western Conference battle for the Wolves against Doncic and the Mavs.