Anthony Edwards is expected to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series versus the Denver Nuggets.
Edwards was listed on the NBA injury report as questionable for Saturday’s matchup, but he went through his regular pregame warm-up routine, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. That indicates he should be in the lineup.
The All-Star guard was “full go” during scrimmages this week, T-Wolves coach Chris Finch told reporters. So all signs were pointing toward Edwards playing. But he only appeared in two of Minnesota’s final seven regular-season games and three of their last 14. Though the team was likely holding him out to recuperate for the playoffs, Edwards’ absence was a matter of concern.
Advertisement
Edwards was limited to 61 games this season (starting 60) due to various injuries to his back, hamstring, foot and shoulder. But his right knee has been the most problematic, requiring regular absences for maintenance toward the end of the season.
As a result, Edwards isn’t eligible for any 2026 season awards, though he filed a challenge to the NBA’s 65-game requirement for awards consideration.
This season, Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points with 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 40% on 514 3-point attempts. In three games against Denver, he averaged 30.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5 assists, while shooting 26% on 31 3-point shots.
Advertisement
The Timberwolves finished with a 49-33 record, giving them the sixth seed in the Western Conference and a first-round matchup with the third-seeded Nuggets (54-28).
Read the full article here