Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has avoided serious ligament damage in his left knee but will miss several weeks as he recovers from the injury, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. The news comes as a relief to the team and fans after initial fears of a more severe diagnosis following Edwards’ collision during Sunday’s playoff game against the Phoenix Suns.
The 22-year-old guard, who has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest young talents, sustained the injury in the third quarter when he landed awkwardly after a drive to the basket. He was immediately helped off the court and did not return to the game. Early reports suggested a possible ligament tear, which could have sidelined him for an extended period—or even required surgery.
Whereas, subsequent medical evaluations confirmed that Edwards escaped without any ligament damage, a best-case scenario given the circumstances. While the exact timeline for his return remains unclear, sources indicate he is expected to be out for “weeks” rather than months, allowing him to potentially rejoin the Timberwolves later in the postseason if the team advances.
Medical Evaluation and Recovery Timeline
Edwards underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed no structural damage to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), two of the most critical stabilizers in the knee. The injury appears to be a moderate sprain, which, while painful, does not require surgical intervention. Team physicians are reportedly optimistic about his recovery trajectory, though they have not yet provided an official update.
The Timberwolves, who lead the Suns 2-1 in their first-round playoff series, are proceeding cautiously with Edwards’ rehabilitation. Head coach Chris Finch told reporters on Tuesday that the team is “taking it day by day” and will not rush the All-Star guard back into action. “Anthony’s health is our top priority,” Finch said. “We want him at 100% when he returns and we’re not going to cut corners.”
Edwards, who averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game during the regular season, has been instrumental in Minnesota’s deep playoff push. His absence leaves a significant void in the Timberwolves’ lineup, particularly on the offensive end, where his scoring and playmaking have been pivotal. Backup guards Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are expected to see increased minutes in his absence.
Impact on the Timberwolves’ Playoff Hopes
The timing of Edwards’ injury could not be worse for the Timberwolves, who are in the midst of a tightly contested series against the Suns. Phoenix, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, has shown resilience, and Minnesota cannot afford to drop games without one of its franchise cornerstones. Edwards’ ability to create his own shot and attack the rim has been a key differentiator for the Timberwolves, and his absence will test the depth of their roster.
In his absence, the team will likely lean more heavily on Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert to anchor the offense and defense. Towns, in particular, has been in peak form during the playoffs, averaging 22.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in the series so far. However, replacing Edwards’ dynamic scoring and clutch performances will be no easy task.
For Edwards, this injury represents his first significant setback since entering the NBA in 2020. Known for his durability and relentless playing style, he has missed only a handful of games due to minor ailments over his four-year career. His ability to bounce back quickly will be crucial not only for the Timberwolves’ playoff run but also for his long-term development as a franchise player.
What Comes Next for Edwards and the Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are expected to provide an official update on Edwards’ status later this week, including a more precise timeline for his return. In the meantime, the team will focus on securing a victory in Game 4 on Wednesday to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. A win would not only ease the pressure of Edwards’ absence but also give the medical staff additional time to monitor his recovery.
For Edwards, the road to recovery will involve intensive physical therapy and reconditioning to ensure he regains his explosiveness and mobility. The Timberwolves’ training staff has a strong track record of managing player injuries, and Edwards is expected to follow a structured rehabilitation program tailored to his specific needs. Fans can expect regular updates on his progress, though the team is likely to err on the side of caution when it comes to his return.
As the playoffs intensify, the Timberwolves will need to adapt to life without their star guard. While his absence is a significant blow, the team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test. If Edwards can return in time for a potential second-round matchup, Minnesota’s championship aspirations will remain very much alive.
For now, Timberwolves fans are breathing a sigh of relief that the injury is not as severe as initially feared. The focus now shifts to Edwards’ recovery and the team’s ability to weather the storm in his absence. With the playoffs far from over, every game counts—and every day without Edwards is a day the Timberwolves must find a way to win.
What do you think? Will the Timberwolves be able to advance without Anthony Edwards in the lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
