Timberwolves welcome Jaden McDaniels back ahead of the playoffs

Jaden McDaniels returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves' starting lineup after a six-game absence and scored 18 points in 19 minutes in a 132-120 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Jaden McDaniels returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves' starting lineup after a six-game absence and played 19 minutes against the Orlando Magic. He scored 18 points in a 132-120 loss. McDaniels missed time with a bone bruise on his left knee and had been with the team while rehabbing. The Timberwolves have clinched a top-six seed in the Western Conference with two regular-season games remaining. What we know: - McDaniels was out six games with a bone bruise in his left knee and returned as a starter against Orlando. - He played 19 minutes, scored 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting, and had two rebounds and two assists; he also received a delay-of-game warning and a technical foul for hanging on the rim. - Minnesota went 2-4 during his absence and ranked 28th in offensive rating in that span, according to the article. - McDaniels is averaging career highs this season in points (14.8), three-point percentage (.421) and assists (2.7), and has developed into a two-way player. - The Timberwolves have two regular-season games left before the playoffs begin in about 10 days; coach Chris Finch said the team will be cautious with McDaniels as they try to get him back into game shape, and Anthony Edwards could be nearing a return. Summary: McDaniels' return gives Minnesota an opportunity to get key rotation minutes and rebuild on-court rhythm before the playoffs. The team plans to manage his workload while using the remaining regular-season games to prepare, with the postseason starting in about 10 days.