As the Timberwolves attempt to script a comeback for the ages in the NBA Western Conference Finals, point guard Mike Conley’s fitness has been thrown back into the spotlight ahead of Game 5. According to ESPN, Conley is questionable for the Timberwolves’ must-win fixture against the Mavericks due to his right Achilles tendon.

The veteran point guard has turned up for all four games against the Mavs so far. However, his health has been under constant scrutiny since he missed Game 5 of the conference semi-finals against the Denver Nuggets on May 15. Despite being tagged as questionable in all the conference finals games, Conley has averaged over 13 points. Significantly higher than his average during the regular season (11.4 ppg in 76 games).

Conley has also played for over 30 minutes in all four games, allaying any serious concerns about his health. His performance has also improved as the competition enters its pointy end. While the team star Anthony ‘Ant’ Edwards has scored less and less as the playoffs have gone on, Conley has been improving.

While the experienced campaigner has consistently been amongst the top 5 scorers, he has truly arrived during the playoffs. Conley has a field goal accuracy of nearly 50% in the finals, comfortably above Ant and just under team center Rudy Gobert in the starting 5.

Earlier this month, the Timberwolves HC made it clear that the all-or-nothing reality of their team had everything to do with his choice to leave his restricted zone. Finch said, “My job was to inject emotion into the game…” And even Conley acknowledged his efforts and said, “Finchy, he’s our leader… He’s the guy that’s made this thing work from the beginning. To have him be on the sideline, but behind the bench, for the majority of these playoffs, you forget the impact it can have when your coach is up getting technicals, yelling and we see him hobble around to do it…”

On the other hand, it’s not just the Timberwolves who are grappling with injuries. Mavs are also facing uncertainties with their rookie center Dereck Lively II and star point guard Luka Doncic both labeled questionable ahead of game 5. Therefore adding yet another layer of unpredictability to the all-important game.

The Timberwolves Depth Chart

Based on recent games, it’s likely that Conley will take the court for the Timberwolves on Thursday. However, if he is unable to play, coach Chris Finch may turn to Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The 25-year-old shooting guard replaced Conley in Game 5 of the semi-finals against the Nuggets. Alternatively, the Wolves’ depth chart suggests that a well-rested Monte Morris could also step up to the task.

While the Thursday match in Minnesota is the do-or-die for the Wolves, it is especially significant for Conley. The 36-year-old point guard is raring to clinch his first NBA title in his eighteen-year-long career.