Post-operative protocol could push Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch from the bench to an off-court location for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals at Denver on Saturday.

Finch is scheduled for surgery to repair his right patellar tendon on Wednesday, an injury suffered in the final minutes of Game 4 at Phoenix when he collided with Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley.

Minnesota swept the Suns and plays the first two games of the series with the defending champion Nuggets on the road. Finch, according to ESPN and NBA TV, would be permitted to communicate with assistant coaches from the locker room if he’s unable to be on the bench due to physical limitations. The procedure requires Finch to keep his right leg immobilized, and he is unlikely to be fully cleared to travel with the team until after the operation.

The Timberwolves haven’t announced any contingency plans if Finch isn’t available or would be unable to travel.

ESPN reported assistant coach Micah Nori would be the choice to run the team from the sideline.

Finch, 54, was third in the NBA Coach of the Year voting after leading Minnesota to a 56-26 regular-season record.

Denver split four games with the Timberwolves this season, including Minnesota’s 111-98 win on March 29 at Denver and the April 10 game on the same court that went to the Nuggets, 116-107.

–Field Level Media