Timberwolves’ Joe Ingles cast in Nikola Jokic practice squad role for Nuggets series

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Alex House, ClutchPoints

Mon, Apr 13, 2026 ·

2 min read

Timberwolves’ Joe Ingles cast in Nikola Jokic practice squad role for Nuggets series appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Before last Wednesday’s game versus the Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joe Ingles had not logged 10 minutes in a game all season. He has not competed in the playoffs since May 5 of 2024. The 38-year-old will not carry much of an on-court presence this postseason, either, at least not during the games themselves, but he will offer value during the Wolves’ preparations for the Denver Nuggets .

Ahead of the opening round matchup, which is set to begin on Saturday afternoon, Ingles will operate as one of the opposing team’s best players at practice. While he is willing to serve any role for the squad, the 2021 Sixth Man of the Year runner-up expects to play the part of Nikola Jokic .

“Hell yeah,” Ingles joked, per Zone Coverage’s Andrew Dukowitz.” I was Luka last year, got us prepared great. I’ll be whoever. I’m being one of their starters. That was the funnest part of the year for me last year, playing 400 pick-and-rolls in a few days. I’ll be whoever, but I’ll be the best version of that person. Be a bit of fun.”

Although he is poking fun at himself, Ingles is indeed an important part of the Timberwolves’ game plan. With more than a decade’s worth of NBA experience, he can help his teammates see something they otherwise might miss. The undrafted Australian obviously does not boast superstar-level talent, but he possesses the savvy and physicality needed to keep Minnesota on alert heading into the playoffs.

While Denver is deeper than usual, Nikola Jokic remains the unquestioned engine of the squad. Joe Ingles will try to do his best impression of the triple-double machine and three-time MVP before Saturday’s Game 1 clash in Ball Arena.