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Karl-Anthony Towns to return tonight after missing 51 straight games

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated22 Mar 2023

Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns to return tonight after missing 51 straight games Hawks

Karl-Anthony Towns has been upgraded to questionable on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ injury report, and the three-time All-Star is now slated to return for tonight’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Towns, 27, missed 51 straight games due to a Grade 3 calf strain. The two-time All-NBA member hasn’t played since suffering the injury in Minnesota’s 142-127 loss to the Washington Wizards on Nov. 28.

Upon further review of some NBA betting sites, Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves have 17th-ranked odds to win the championship. Check out which sportsbooks are showing greater odds for the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.

With only nine games remaining of the regular season, this is the best time for the eight-year veteran to prepare for the playoffs. When healthy, Karl-Anthony Towns is arguably the Timberwolves’ most valuable player.

Through 21 starts this season, the forward/center is averaging 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 33.8 minutes per game. To add to these statistics, the Kentucky product is shooting 50.5% from the field and 88.5% at the foul line.

Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns (calf strain) to return Wednesday night against Hawks after missing 51 straight games

In Minnesota’s 126-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Nov. 16, the forward/center scored a season-high 30 points in 37 minutes of action. Along with logging five boards, five dimes, and one steal, Towns shot 10-of-15 (66.7%) from the floor and drained two 3-pointers.

Besides Karl-Anthony Towns, other players listed on the Timberwolves’ injury report include Jaylen Nowell (knee) and Anthony Edwards (ankle). Both guards are questionable for tonight’s nonconference matchup.

Minnesota is 5-5 in its last 10 games. However, the team has won just one contest over the past four. More importantly, the Timberwolves are winless at home in their previous five games played at Target Center. They’re 0-4-1 ATS in their last five meetings at home against Atlanta.

Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray (non-COVID illness) is listed as questionable for the Hawks. Jalen Johnson (hamstring) remains out indefinitely as well. Atlanta is also 5-5 in its past 10 contests. The Hawks are 4-1 in their previous five games played on a Wednesday.

Sportsbooks show Minnesota as a 4.5-point favorite at home over Atlanta. Nonetheless, this line could change soon considering Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to make his return tonight. Minnesota is 20-17 at home, whereas the Hawks are 16-21 away.

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