After tying the series 1-1 with a Game 2 victory on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers will meet up with the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3 on Friday. This is the first game of the series in Minnesota, so the Lakers will look to steal a victory on the road to take a series lead.

Game 3 will be a crucial game for both teams as the winner will take a 2-1 series lead. Given that both teams are a threat to go on a deep playoff run this year, every game is important to win from here on out. This is especially true for the Lakers, who only have up to two home games left in this series.

Ahead of Game 3, the Lakers made an injury announcement regarding one of their players.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

For the Lakers to win their first-round series against the Timberwolves, it is important for the team to be as healthy as possible. Unfortunately for them, they recently announced that Maxi Kleber will remain out for Game 3 as he recovers from foot surgery.

The Lakers acquired Kleber from the Dallas Mavericks earlier this season as part of the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade. However, the German native has yet to make his debut for the team after undergoing foot surgery. Additionally, Kleber has not suited up since January.

Kleber is currently listed as day-to-day with his injury, so there is a chance he can make his Lakers debut against Minnesota. His next opportunity to return to the court will be on Sunday for Game 4.