Anthony Edwards has been the engine behind the Minnesota Timberwolves’ surge this season, but fans will have to wait a little longer to see Ant-Man back in action on the court. As the Timberwolves prepare to host the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons at Target Center on Saturday, March 28, at 5:30 p.m. ET, Edwards has been officially ruled out.
Despite being sidelined, the 24-year-old superstar remains the team’s statistical leader, averaging 29.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 49.2% shooting from the field.
Anthony Edwards Ruled Out for Timberwolves vs. Pistons Clash
Edwards has played in only 58 games so far and has missed 15 total. With fewer than 10 regular-season games remaining, the 2026 All-Star MVP is in danger of failing to meet the NBA’s 65-game threshold.
Marc J. Spears reported on Friday, “The Minnesota Timberwolves say guard Anthony Edwards, who has missed the last five games with right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, has been cleared for on-court basketball practice activities.”
While this marks a significant step in Edwards’ recovery from the injury, Saturday’s clash at Target Center has come too soon. Listed as Out on the official injury report, this will be Edwards’ 16th total and sixth consecutive absence since last appearing on March 15 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In that game, he logged 37 minutes and finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 6 of 17 from the floor and 5 of 10 from the charity stripe.
How the Timberwolves Will Navigate Without Edwards
In the absence of their All-Star guard, who averaged 1.4 steals per game and provided elite perimeter defense, the team had to adapt. Surprisingly, the Minnesota Timberwolves managed to keep their momentum alive.
They have won four of their last five games and are currently on a two-game winning streak, thanks to Wednesday’s 110-108 overtime win against the Houston Rockets and a statement 102-92 win over the Boston Celtics on March 22.
However, tonight’s challenge against the Pistons is one tough battle. Detroit boasts the best record in the East at 53-20 and is led by All-Star Jalen Duren, who has taken the reins in Cade Cunningham’s absence. Duren is averaging 19.5 points and 10.6 rebounds on 64.3% shooting from the floor.
With Edwards sidelined and Jaden McDaniels also ruled out due to knee soreness, the Wolves will rely heavily on Julius Randle (21.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.1 APG, and 47.9% field-goal shooting) and Rudy Gobert (11.0 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 69.3% field-goal shooting) to protect their home court. While Edwards’ “on-court activity” clearance suggests a return is imminent, the Wolves must first find a way to stop the Pistons’ offensive tornado without their best weapon.
