On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves to tie their first-round playoff matchup with one win each. The two teams will continue their series for Game 3 on Friday night. However, this will be the first game of the series in Minnesota. 

The Timberwolves won each of their last five home games of the regular season. Furthermore, they have not lost at home in over a month. With the series tied, Game 3 will be a crucial one for both teams as they look to take a series lead.

As the Lakers look to take a game in Minnesota, it is crucial that they are as healthy as possible. This includes forward Rui Hachimura, who got hit in the face early in Game 2. Luckily for the team, head coach JJ Redick provided a major Hachimura update that will be worth monitoring until Friday’s game. 

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28)

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

When healthy, Hachimura is a crucial part of the Lakers’ success. Fortunately, Hachimura is reportedly ready to go for Game 3, though he will wear a mask as a precaution, according to Redick.

“JJ Redick said Rui Hachimura is ‘fine’ after getting struck in the face in Game 2 but will wear a mask as a precaution for a ‘little bit,'” Jovan Buha wrote on X.

In 59 games during the regular season, the Gonzaga alum averaged 13.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Hachimura will be incredibly important during the Lakers’ series against the Timberwolves. As the Lakers look to go on a deep playoff run, Hachimura is a player the team will rely on to contribute in each aspect of the game.