Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert Says Having 2 Days Off Was 'Huge' for His Back Injury

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who has been dealing with back spasms, told reporters that the two days of rest he's received between Games 1 and 2 of his team's Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets has been "huge" for his healing.

Gobert posted eight points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes during his team's 109-80 loss to Denver on Sunday.

Gobert has been dealing with the back spasms for a few weeks. He told reporters he gutted through the injury during his team's 113-108 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans to close the regular season on Sunday, April 9. Gobert's day ended early after he threw a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a sideline scuffle.

Minnesota suspended Gobert for the Wolves' play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, but the big man said he wouldn't have been able to play regardless due to the injury.

Gobert returned for Minnesota's 120-95 play-in win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, dropping 21 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes.

This past Sunday was a rough effort for Gobert and the rest of the Wolves, who were thoroughly outclassed all game en route to the 29-point loss. However, a healthier Gobert should certainly help Minnesota as it looks to get back into this series.

Minnesota will face Denver for Game 2 at 10 p.m. ET in Ball Arena on Wednesday.