BREAKING: Rudy Gobert's Final Status For Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 2

On Monday evening, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be in Colorado to face off against the Denver Nuggets for Game 2 of their second-round playoff series.

For the game, the Timberwolves will be without one of their best players, as three-time NBA All-Star Rudy Gobert has been ruled out.

Via Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium: "Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (personal reasons) is OUT for Game 2 vs. Nuggets. Gobert had birth of his first child."

Gobert finished the regular season with averages of 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.1 blocks per contest while shooting 66.1% from the field in 76 games.

The Timberwolves are the third seed in the Western Conference with a 56-26 record.

They swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round, and are up 1-0 on the Nuggets (after winning Game 1 by a score of 106-99).

Gobert had six points, 13 rebounds, three assists, one steal and three blocks while shooting 3/6 from the field in 35 minutes of playing time.

Playing without him (in Game 2) will likely be a significant challenge, because he is the team's best rim protector.

As for the Nuggets, they are the second seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record.

They beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round (in five games).

Game 3 of the series will be on Friday evening at the Target Center in Minnesota.

Whoever ends up winning the series will advance to the 2024 Western Conference Finals.