The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the latest injury news has struck the Minnesota Timberwolves as guard Mike Conley sat out Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets due to a sore right Achilles. Conley’s absence was felt after he suffered the injury during the final offensive possession of Game 4, where he missed a crucial 3-pointer in a 115-107 loss. The second-round series between the Timberwolves and the Nuggets is currently tied at two games each.

Throughout Minnesota’s playoff campaign this season, Conley has been a key contributor, averaging 11.3 points and seven assists per game over 31.8 minutes. In his absence, Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up to fill Conley’s starting position, with Timberwolves coach Chris Finch also indicating increased playing time for Jordan McLaughlin and Monte Morris.

Looking ahead at other playoff matchups, the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face the Dallas Mavericks, aiming to close the gap in the series after a late rally in Game 4. The Boston Celtics are also eyeing a spot in the Eastern Conference finals as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers are deadlocked at 2-2 in their series.

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets managed to turn the tide in their series against the Timberwolves after initially dropping the first two games at home. With back-to-back victories in Games 3 and 4, the Nuggets have evened the series and are now set to host the Timberwolves in a crucial Game 5.

In other news, Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led a remarkable comeback to level the series at 2-2, setting the stage for an intense Game 5 in Oklahoma City. The NBA playoffs continue to deliver thrilling matchups and unexpected turns as teams battle it out for a chance at the championship title.