The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to begin a challenging six-game road trip with a four-game road winning streak as they face the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis on Thursday.

In the previous month, the Timberwolves secured victories in the final four games of a five-game road series. They later maintained a 4-3 record during a seven-game home stretch that concluded against Portland on Monday.

During the 119-114 win against the Trail Blazers, Rudy Gobert stood out with an impressive performance of 25 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks. Gobert’s impact was pivotal as Karl-Anthony Towns faced foul trouble and Anthony Edwards missed the start due to a delayed arrival.

When asked about stepping up in Towns’ absence early in the second quarter, Gobert responded without hesitation.

“No, I don’t feel I have to do more,” Gobert said, per the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. “I just have to be myself regardless if KAT is there or not. But obviously, sometimes if one of us is not there, we’re going to get opportunities.”

Gobert made the most of those opportunities, displaying remarkable accuracy with 9-for-10 shooting from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. Reflecting on the only missed shot late in the game, Gobert took it in stride.

“I thought it was going in, but it went out,” Gobert said. “It’s all right.”

Towns and Edwards delivered exceptional performances during Minnesota’s 127-109 victory over Indiana on Dec. 16. Towns recorded 40 points and 12 rebounds, while Edwards added 37 points for the Timberwolves.

In the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined due to a knee injury, the Pacers managed to secure a 137-120 win against the Dallas Mavericks, salvaging the final game of a tough three-game road series.

“We were due to play better,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “Last couple games have been tough, but the team made some very good adjustments for this game, and we were able to play faster and more aggressively and move the ball better.”

Myles Turner showcased his scoring prowess with 20 points in the first half, supported by Pascal Siakam‘s double-double of 13 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. The Pacers witnessed nine players achieving double-digit scoring figures.

Reflecting on the impactful substitutions, Carlisle praised the bench players, emphasizing their speed and ability to facilitate ball movement effectively.

“We needed it,” Carlisle said. “The bench was great. Obi (Toppin) and (rookie Ben Sheppard) are our two best runners. They’re our two best runners and ball movers, and that’s why they went in the game first. We needed speed. We needed guys getting to the corners and then making the right reads and movement from there. Both those guys did a great job.”

“It allowed us to give Pascal two rests per half and I love the way he worked his way into the game. It wasn’t happening for him offensively right away, but he stayed patient and into the second half he had high impact.”

Siakam, who previously played for the Toronto Raptors, led with 15 points as he guided his team to a narrow 97-94 victory over the Timberwolves on Oct. 25.