The Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks meet tonight in Dallas with more questions than answers hanging over both locker rooms. The final injury report lists two headliners—Anthony Edwards for Minnesota and Cooper Flagg for Dallas—as questionable. That single word could change the shape of this Western Conference clash. With the Wolves fighting to move up from sixth and the Mavericks trying to climb back into the play-in picture from 11th, every possession matters.

Tip-off is set for 8:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center. Minnesota is coming off a strong 108-83 win over Golden State on January 26. Dallas just dropped a tight one, 116-110, to the Lakers. Form, depth, and late news from warmups will loom large.

Final injury report: Timberwolves vs Mavericks

Both sides are banged up, and the list is long. Here is the final status update:

• Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (SG) – Questionable (right foot); Leonard Miller (SF) – Questionable (lower back spasms); Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG) – Out (left foot abductor hallucis strain); Enrique Freeman – Out (G League two-way).
• Mavericks: Cooper Flagg (SF) – Questionable (left ankle); Kyrie Irving (PG) – Out (knee); Anthony Davis (PF) – Out (hand/finger); Dereck Lively II (C) – Out (right foot); Moussa Cisse (C) – Questionable/Doubtful (G League two-way); Klay Thompson (SG) – Questionable (left knee soreness).

That is a lot of talent in doubt or on the shelf, especially for Dallas. The Wolves have their own headaches, but the Mavericks’ frontcourt and backcourt depth both look stressed.

What Anthony Edwards’ status means for Minnesota

Edwards is the Wolves’ engine. He averages 26.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His burst puts pressure on defenses, and his presence shifts matchups all over the floor. If he plays, even on a minutes plan, Minnesota’s offense becomes more direct and dangerous.

If he sits, the Wolves will need steady shot creation from others. Julius Randle’s 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game point to a player who can carry a chunk of the scoring load and draw fouls inside. Rudy Gobert’s 11.3 rebounds per night help control the glass and start fast breaks, even if his scoring (8.8 PPG) is modest.

Leonard Miller’s back spasms add another layer. If he’s limited, Minnesota’s wing rotation tightens, and secondary scoring and defense on the perimeter become tougher tasks. The good news: the Wolves just locked down the Warriors, holding them to 83 points. That kind of defense travels.

“If Edwards sits, can Randle shoulder the late-game shots?”

Dallas’ depth test if Cooper Flagg can’t go

Cooper Flagg, averaging 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, has been a bright spot. His size and skill help Dallas create good looks and defend across spots. If his left ankle keeps him out or slows him, the Mavericks’ playmaking and wing defense take a hit.

The Mavs are already without Kyrie Irving (knee) and Dereck Lively II (right foot). Anthony Davis (hand/finger) is also out. Klay Thompson’s status (left knee soreness) is another major swing factor for spacing and experience. If Klay plays, even at limited strength, his gravity behind the arc can open the floor. If not, Dallas must grind in the half court and hope others hit open threes.

With Moussa Cisse listed as questionable/doubtful and Lively out, the center spot is thin. That makes the battle on the boards—and Gobert’s impact—feel even bigger. Second chances could tilt the game.

“Dallas needs Flagg’s energy—otherwise who creates the edge?”

Records, recent results, and season averages

Minnesota stands at 28-19, good for sixth in the West. Dallas is 19-27 and sits 11th, staring at a climb back into the mix. Recent form points to a Wolves team that can dominate with defense when connected, and a Mavericks team that scrapped but fell late against the Lakers.

Key season numbers worth remembering tonight:

• Anthony Edwards: 26.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.0 APG
• Julius Randle: 21.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.9 APG
• Rudy Gobert: 8.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG
• Cooper Flagg: 18.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.6 APG

These stat lines tell a simple story: Minnesota leans on star wing scoring with strong rebounding in the middle, and Dallas needs all of Flagg’s two-way boost when he is healthy.

Keys to tonight in Dallas

• Availability at the buzzer: Warmups for Edwards and Flagg will set the tone. If both play, expect a more open game. If one or both sit, it turns into a half-court fight.
• Paint control: With Lively out and Cisse uncertain, Gobert’s size can swing the glass. If Minnesota wins rebounds and put-backs, Dallas must heat up from three to keep pace.
• Perimeter shot-making: Klay Thompson’s status matters. If he plays, his spacing helps the Mavs. If not, Minnesota can pack the paint and dare others to shoot.
• Turnovers and pace: The Wolves are at their best when they defend, rebound, and run. Dallas must value the ball and limit live-ball mistakes.
• Late-game creators: If Edwards is limited or out, Minnesota will need Randle and others to settle the offense. Dallas, without Kyrie, needs smart, simple actions and strong screens to get clean looks.

“Gobert versus a thin Mavs front line could decide this in the paint.”

Tip-off details and final word

The ball goes up at 8:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center. The Wolves arrive with momentum from a 25-point win over Golden State. The Mavericks bring home-court hunger and a chance to grab a much-needed result.

But the headline is the same on both sides: health. Minnesota’s ceiling rises if Anthony Edwards is cleared and comfortable. Dallas’ hopes rest heavily on whether Cooper Flagg can move well enough to play his normal minutes. Around them, role players will decide the small battles—box-outs, extra passes, and close-outs that turn a good shot into a tough one.

In a tight West, January wins feel like April seeds. If Edwards plays, Minnesota can lean on star power and defense to control the night. If Flagg suits up, Dallas adds a creator who turns broken plays into points. If both miss, this becomes a grind, where effort on the glass and clean possessions decide everything.

Either way, expect urgency from the opening tip. There are no easy minutes left for teams with these goals and these injury lists. One team will solve the puzzle quicker—and that edge may be enough.