Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn left meniscus, as reported by sources on Thursday night. The surgery is expected to allow Towns to return to the court early in the Western Conference playoffs.
Towns, a key player for the Timberwolves, will be re-evaluated in four weeks following the surgery. The team is hopeful that he will be able to make a comeback during the early stages of the postseason. The Timberwolves are currently in a tight race for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, holding a slim half-game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The decision for Towns to undergo surgery was made after consultations with team doctors and specialists. An MRI revealed the tear in his meniscus, prompting the need for immediate medical intervention. Towns, a four-time All-Star, is known for his impressive stats, being one of only five players in the NBA averaging 20 points, shooting 50%, and hitting 40% of his 3-point attempts.
With Towns on the floor, the Timberwolves boast an offensive efficiency of 116.5, a significant contribution to the team's success. In his absence, the team's offensive efficiency drops to 106.1, highlighting his importance to the lineup.
The Timberwolves will rely on their deep frontline to fill the void left by Towns during his recovery. Naz Reid is expected to see increased playing time in Towns' absence, stepping up to support the team in their playoff push.
The surgery is scheduled for early next week, and Towns is determined to undergo rehabilitation swiftly to rejoin his team for what could be a historic regular season for the Timberwolves.
