Key Miami Heat Player Absent for Minnesota Timberwolves Match
The Miami Heat will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, January 3, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Unfortunately, the team will be without key player Jaime Jaquez Jr. due to an ankle sprain sustained in the second quarter of a recent game.
Miami Heat and Injury Report
Jaquez’s absence is significant for Miami as they prepare to take on Minnesota. The latest injury updates reveal the following:
- Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Out – Ankle
- Norman Powell: Available – Leg soreness
- Bam Adebayo: Available – Back
- Nikola Jović: Available – Thigh
- Pelle Larsson: Available – Ankle
- Tyler Herro: Out – Toe
- Keshad Johnson: Out – G League
- Jahmir Young: Out – G League
- Vladislav Goldin: Out – G League
- Terry Rozier: Out – Not with team
Minnesota Timberwolves Update
On the Timberwolves’ side, Terrence Shannon Jr. will not play due to a foot injury, and Joan Beringer is assigned to the G League.
Matchup Details
This game marks the first of two regular-season encounters between the teams. They previously split last season’s series 1-1, with each team winning on the road. Historically, the Heat have a record of 36-34 against the Timberwolves.
Current Standings
As of now, the Miami Heat hold a record of 19 wins and 15 losses, while the Minnesota Timberwolves stand at 21 wins and 13 losses.
Projected Starters
The anticipated starters for both teams are:
| Miami Heat | Minnesota Timberwolves |
|---|---|
| G Davion Mitchell | G Donte DiVincenzo |
| G Norman Powell | G Anthony Edwards |
| C Kel’el Ware | C Rudy Gobert |
| F Andrew Wiggins | F Jaden McDaniels |
| F Bam Adebayo | F Julius Randle |
Betting Information
The spread for the game currently shows the Heat at +6.5, while the Timberwolves are at -6.5. The moneyline stands with the Heat at +230 and the Timberwolves at -310. The total points for the game is set at 228.5.
As Miami readies for this crucial matchup, the absence of Jaquez will be felt. The team’s performance against the Timberwolves will be closely watched, especially given their recent injury challenges.
