Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns suffered a meniscus injury, a source confirmed, that could sideline him for a lengthy period of time.

The exact moment when the injury was suffered — perhaps even to Towns — is unknown. That’s also the case for the big man’s recovery timeline.

Meniscus injuries can feature a  number of treatment methods, depending on the exact location and severity of the tear. Sometimes, it can be rehabbed without surgery. Generally, the surgical route is taken. Most professional athletes take the option to trim the meniscus, which often leads to a six-to-eight-week recovery timeline.

A meniscus repair is better for the long-term health of the knee, and comes with a longer recovery timeline.

Towns and the team are still gathering information about the injury and potential treatment options. But any surgery would certainly cause Towns to miss the remainder of the regular season and — almost certainly — the start of the NBA playoffs.

That’s a blow to the Timberwolves, who currently own the top seed in the Western Conference. Towns, an all-star this season, is the needed secondary scoring option for Minnesota, who has been serviceable defensively for the league’s best defense. Towns helps frame Minnesota’s identity as a “big ball” team that has served the team so well this season.

Should they be without Towns for a significant period of time, the Timberwolves have numerous options moving forward. Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson are good options at power forward. The Wolves also have the wing depth to play smaller around center Rudy Gobert when the matchup demands it.

Even without Towns, the Timberwolves have a roster to be a contender in the Western Conference and win at least one playoff series. But there’s little doubt the all-star’s absence would ultimately limit the Wolves’ ceiling.

Related Articles

Timberwolves must again recapture an offensive rhythm

Rudy Gobert dominates as Timberwolves down short-handed Blazers

Timberwolves fall to Clippers as late-game struggles strike again

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards is an elite on-ball defender. Here’s why he probably won’t be all-defense

Malik Monk scores 39 to lead Kings past Timberwolves in overtime