The Minnesota Timberwolves will be sweating over the availability of superstar Anthony Edwards ahead of their Monday skirmish against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
The Timberwolves come into the clash on the back of a 109-87 hammering at the hands of the Detroit Pistons. The recent loss saw them slip to 45-29 and tie with the sixth-seeded Houston Rockets with the same record.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report: Status of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels Against the Mavericks
According to the latest NBA injury report, the Timberwolves have listed Edwards (right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome) as questionable. Joining him is Ayo Dosunmu, who has right calf soreness. The side will be without McDaniels (left knee patellar tendinopathy). Also missing the contest will be Zyon Pullin and Rocco Zikarsky with G League assignments.
The absence of Edwards has led to the Timberwolves’ offense sputtering. Their defense hinges on Rudy Gobert, while the likes of Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon will be looked to provide more impetus on both ends of the floor.
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The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski wrote that the Timberwolves would likely see Edwards suiting up on Monday. However, veteran guard Mike Conley cautioned the side against putting the pressure squarely on the mercurial guard.
“We can’t relax now that Ant’s coming back and say, ‘Hey, give Ant the keys and just go,'” Conley said. “I think we’ve got to let Ant do his thing. But at the same time, continue to push the ball, continue to involve everybody, and I think that’s when we’re our best selves. When the ball’s moving, guys are being selfless.”
Gobert expressed optimism ahead of Edwards’ potential Monday return. “Whether it’s great games, great wins, or tough losses like today, it’s part of the learning process. Gotta keep trusting who we are as a team, keep putting in the work. Our guys are gonna come back, and we have guys that can contribute and help.”
It has been a solid season for Edwards, averaging 29.5 points and 5.1 rebounds. However, a knee injury has kept him out of the last six games for Minnesota. During the absence, the Timberwolves have gone 4-2 but are in danger of losing their fifth seed.
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Should Edwards indeed lace up, it will be a major boost for a team that has one of the toughest schedules to end their regular season. They play the Pistons again and also square off against the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and the Charlotte Hornets in the East. They play the Houston Rockets in the West.
The Timberwolves will look to rediscover some of their start-of-the-season form as the regular season inches to a close.
