The Minnesota Timberwolves enter tonight’s Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets with a 3-1 lead and a chance to advance to the next round. However, as the series shifts back to Denver, the Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards.
Game 4 (112-96) gave the Timberwolves a massive third win in this series, but it also depleted their roster and potentially jeopardized the franchise’s championship aspirations.
Anthony Edwards Injury Update: Timberwolves Star Ruled Out for Game 5
Edwards has been ruled out for Game 5 and he’s expected to miss “multiple weeks” as he recovers from a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise.
During the second quarter of Game 4, Edwards attempted to block Cameron Johnson’s layup but landed awkwardly and immediately clutched his leg. Fortunately for Edwards, there is no structural damage to his knee, which was the main concern when he initially went down.
ESPN’s Shams Charania has stated that Edwards will miss at least two weeks, adding: “If the Timberwolves advance past the Nuggets, it’s anticipated that Edwards would miss at least a portion of the second round.”
With that said, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch did provide some hope for Wolves fans with a rather optimistic comment on Monday.
“We do know that if we keep extending this playoff series, he is going to come back,” Finch said. “And he generally comes back ahead of the timeline.”
Several sports doctors chimed in on Edwards’ possible return timeline.
“Probably don’t see Anthony Edwards back until the last couple games of the conference finals,” sports doctor Brian Sutterer wrote on X. “Best case scenario.”
Dr. Jesse Moore echoed this sentiment that Edwards got lucky this wasn’t worse.
“He will miss several weeks but honestly this is the best case scenario,” Dr. Morse wrote on X. Whether or not the Timerwolves can survive without him (and DiVincenzo) is a separate discussion. I’m happy the NBA didn’t lose another one of its superstars to a significant career-altering injury.”
The Wolves finished the regular season as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record. Edwards has been the focal point of the Timberwolves’ offense, averaging 28.8 points per game (third-highest in the league).
During this series against Denver, Edwards is averaging 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 2.0 3s, while shooting 35.8% from the field and 25.8% from 3-point range.
Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, their misfortunes didn’t end with Edwards’ injury. Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn Achilles tendon just 79 seconds into the first quarter of Game 4. He will miss the rest of the postseason and beyond.
The Timberwolves have a chance to advance tonight, but there’s no question that they are limping into Game 5.
