magic can you play target spells without a target

[Tim94]

magic can you play target spells without a target?

[Twanos]

No. You must have a legal target at the time you cast the spell inorder to play it. In the event the target is no longer legal and/or no longer in play at the time of spell resolution then the spell will fizzle and go to the graveyard.

[Tim94]

what if I play absorb which says

Counter target spell. You gain 3 life.

and the spell target is gone will i still get 3 life

[Twanos]

Yes you still get the life. The spell will still try to resolve as much as it can.