NBA Star Rudy Gobert Suspended After Punching Teammate, Will Miss Play-In Game

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without their star center when they face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA’s play-in tournament game on Tuesday … ’cause Rudy Gobert has been suspended one game for punching his teammate.

Gobert — who swung at Kyle Anderson during a timeout in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans — will rejoin his teammates for the remainder of the Wolves’ play-in tournament run and beyond.

It’s a big blow to Minnesota — the Wolves gave up four first-round picks for the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 … and will be tasked with trying to upset a hot Lakers team that has seemingly figured things out just in time for the postseason.

Gobert was sent home from Sunday’s game … and apologized for his actions shortly after.

“Emotions got the best of me today,” Gobert said. “I should not have reacted the way i did regardless of what was said. I wanna apologize to the fans, the organization and particularly to Kyle, who is someone that i truly love and respect as a teammate.”

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wolves believe Gobert’s punch was not intended to hurt his teammate … but considering he struck Anderson in the chest, they were left with no other choice.

The report also says the whole thing started after Anderson called Gobert a “bitch” repeatedly.