The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off an incredible first-round upset by eliminating Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets.
Taking down the juggernauts took a toll, and the Timberwolves paid the price to advance, with a season-ending Achilles rupture to Donte DiVincenzo and a concerning knee injury to Anthony Edwards.
As the Wolves head into the second round against the San Antonio Spurs, what is the latest update on Edwards’ availability for Game 1?
Anthony Edwards Injury Update Ahead of Timberwolves vs. Spurs Series
Game 4 in Minneapolis turned into an absolute nightmare for the Timberwolves in the second quarter, when Edwards went down after awkwardly contesting a shot at the rim. With 2:42 left in the quarter, the landing caused the four-time All-Star to grab his leg in pain.
Edwards needed assistance to reach the locker room, and he was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
ESPN’s Shams Charania later reported that he avoided ligament damage but had sustained a “bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee.” While it initially seemed like Edwards would be out for a while, with Charania indicating that he would miss “the start” of Round 2, the Timberwolves got some surprising news: Edwards is available tonight for Game 1.
It remains to be seen how many minutes Edwards will play, as Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch confirmed that he will be on a minutes-restriction. It’s also unclear how limited he will be, but the fact that he’s suiting up at all is huge for Minnesota.
Edwards is the Wolves’ most important player, as he averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 61 games during the regular season. During the first-round series against the Nuggets, he averaged 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in four games.
While the Nuggets and Jokić were largely a no-show in the first round, holding the fort against San Antonio feels near impossible given the decimated state of the Minnesota roster.
The Spurs enter this series holding a distinct rest advantage and serious momentum. They made light work of the Portland Trail Blazers in five games and have Victor Wembanyama anchoring their defense.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been forcing opponents to settle for contested perimeter jumpers while also digging into his offensive bag, averaging 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks during the first round against the Trail Blazers.
