The Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Phoenix Suns on Monday night in what could end up being a preview of a Western Conference playoff series.
Minnesota currently sits in sixth place in the West with a 15-8 record, while Phoenix trails behind in seventh place at 13-10. However, the home team might not be at full strength for this critical matchup. The Timberwolves could be without their best player, Anthony Edwards.
Is Anthony Edwards Playing Tonight Against Phoenix?
According to a report by Underdog NBA, the former No. 1 overall pick has been downgraded to questionable with an illness. “Anthony Edwards (illness) downgraded to questionable Monday,” read the report.
Anthony Edwards (illness) downgraded to questionable Monday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 8, 2025
Edwards only attempted six shots in the recent win over the New Orleans Pelicans, suggesting he may have already been dealing with the lingering effects of this illness. He was not present at the team’s morning shootaround.
If Edwards cannot suit up, Minnesota will likely turn to Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, and even Jaylen Clark for extended minutes. Additionally, Julius Randle would need to handle more of the heavy lifting on offense in Edwards’ absence.
How Has Edwards Led the Timberwolves This Season?
Edwards has emerged as Minnesota’s vocal leader on and off the court. As such, he wants to ensure the team avoids complacency regardless of the opposition. The Timberwolves narrowly escaped with an overtime win over the slumping Pelicans on Tuesday before meeting them again Thursday, but it took a 44-point effort from Edwards to secure that victory.
Following that performance, Edwards criticized the team for lacking a clear defensive identity. “It seems like we don’t want to play these games. We just want to fast-forward the season to the playoffs and then play all-out defense and play super hard. It just don’t work like that. We gotta be ready to play on any given night,” Edwards said, per The Athletic.
Edwards emphasized that the team needs to stay prepared so they don’t have to rush later, acknowledging that the responsibility starts with him. “In the playoffs you can’t turn it on and off. … It’s super important to try to start those trends now,” Edwards continued. “Of course it’s tough, man. It’s a collective thing. We all gotta be on the same page. It starts with me. I gotta be ready to play every possession on defense.”
For the 2025-26 campaign, Edwards is averaging 28.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 48.8% from the floor and 41.6% from beyond the arc.
