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Come Fan with UsThursday, August 6, 2026

Ronny Turiaf fractures elbow, will be re-evaluated next week

The nine-year veteran injured his elbow against the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday night.

Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Timberwolves forward-center Ronny Turiaf suffered a radial head fracture in his right elbow Friday night against the Thunder but will not need surgery, according to the Star Tribune.

The nine-year vet will be re-evaluated next week to establish an approximate timetable for his return, but the Star Tribune reports that he will miss at least a few weeks of playing time.

For more on Turiaf and the Wolves, check out Canis Hoopus

The injury occurred in the second quarter of Friday night’s win over Oklahoma City when Turiaf fell hard to the ground.

For coach Rick Adelman, replacing Turiaf means replacing a savvy veteran who is also a strong defender and capable backup big man.

“Ronny was playing so well,” Adelman said. “It’s unfortunate. I’m glad it’s not anything serious. He’s done a nice job for us. He’s got experience. He can be on the court and you may look at the stat sheet and say he didn’t do much. But he really does a lot. Hopefully he’ll get back quickly.”

Rookie Gorgui Dieng, the No. 21 overall pick in the 2013 draft, will get his chance to play. Dieng played in his first career NBA game Friday. He finished with no points and four personal fouls in 14 minutes of action.

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