Wolves C Rudy Gobert out for Game 2 after attending son's birth
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert will miss Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night in Denver due to personal reasons.
Gobert, 31, left the Timberwolves to attend the birth of his child Monday morning and was not able to make it back to Denver in time for the playoff game against the Nuggets. Gobert had announced on social media several months ago that he and his girlfriend, Julia Bonilla, were expecting their first child together.
"There was definitely consideration and we looked at the timing of it all and I think just the timing of his circumstances, plus some weather made it really tough," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said before the game. "And it didn't feel like he really was going to be able to get here and be prepared to play."
According to the Denver Post, more than 1,100 flights were delayed or canceled at Denver International Airport on Monday as severe wind gusts led to unsafe flying conditions.
Kyle Anderson slotted into the starting lineup for the Timberwolves, who lead the series 1-0.
Gobert contributed six points, 13 rebounds, three blocks and three assists in Minnesota's 106-99 win on Saturday in the opener of the Western Conference semifinal series.
The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Star averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 76 games (all starts) during the regular season.
The 7-foot-1 Gobert has career averages of 12.7 points, 11.8 boards and 2.1 blocks in 757 games (665 starts) for the Utah Jazz (2013-22) and Timberwolves.
--Field Level Media
Why Stephen A. and Skip Bayless Are Reuniting on First Take
NBA Draft Lottery 2026: Odds, Format, and How It All Works
MLB Betting Picks Today: Tuesday May 5th Pitcher Prop Bets
Chandler Simpson Is an Anomaly for Tampa Bay Rays
- Best NBA Bets Today: Game 7 Picks for Cavs vs Raptors, Magic vs Pistons
- Why Cavaliers Should Cover at Home in Game 7 Against Raptors
- Best NBA Playoff Parlays Today: LeBron, Cade Cunningham and More
- UFC Fight Night Perth Betting Picks: Top Bets and Predictions
- Friday May 1st MLB Betting Picks: Top Predictions for Today’s Games
- April 30th NBA Playoffs Best Betting Picks and Predictions
- Kentucky Derby 2026 Picks: Expert Predictions and Top Contenders

