The hype surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves entering the 2025-26 NBA season was immense. Following an impressive offseason with fans and analysts buzzing, many predicted the Wolves would be one of the Western Conference’s breakout teams. Anthony Edwards, their explosive 24-year-old guard, was at the center of it all.
After becoming a viral sensation during the summer, debates raged across NBA circles: Was this the season Edwards would become a legitimate MVP candidate? Just three games in, that dream has hit a significant snag. Despite a promising 2-1 start, the team received concerning news on Monday.
What Is the Extent of Anthony Edwards’ Injury?
NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that Anthony Edwards is expected to miss approximately two weeks with a right hamstring strain.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss two weeks with a right hamstring strain, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w1bULRERVP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 27, 2025
This update came just days after Minnesota’s home opener against the Indiana Pacers. Early in that game, Edwards electrified the Target Center crowd, scoring five points in just over three minutes before a single sequence changed the night.
As he moved through heavy traffic on a fast break, he finished a tough layup through contact, but immediately grabbed his right hamstring. Sudden tightness set in, forcing him to limp off the court. The Timberwolves quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, but few expected that initial tweak to result in a multi-week absence.
Before the setback, Edwards looked every bit the ascending MVP candidate many had projected. Through the first few games, he averaged 25.7 points while shooting 51.9% from the field, adding four rebounds and two assists per game. That across-the-board production was a key driver of Minnesota’s strong start.
How Will the Timberwolves Adapt Without Their Star?
Now, the team must find a way to win without him. In Edwards’s absence, Julius Randle should see a significant increase in touches and on-ball responsibility, especially in late-clock situations. Expect the Timberwolves to rely on his powerful drives and mid-post isolations to bend defenses. Additionally, look for more elbow actions and short-roll playmaking to keep the floor spaced.
Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo becomes a critical swing piece in the rotation. His quick-trigger shooting and intelligent off-ball cutting can help preserve Minnesota’s offensive spacing. His point-of-attack defense and opportunistic rebounding will also stabilize the guard rotation.
Ultimately, hamstring injuries demand respect, and the Wolves appear to be choosing prudence over rushing him back. A two-week absence is a manageable window if it prevents a nagging, season-long issue. Preserving Edwards’s top gear for the long grind ahead is the priority.
