Anthony Edwards Injury Update: Timberwolves Star Out 2-4 Weeks
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards will miss 2-4 weeks with a left ankle sprain, the team confirmed Monday. The injury occurred during Sunday's 112-108 win over the Phoenix Suns when Edwards landed awkwardly after a drive to the basket in the third quarter.
The 24-year-old All-Star immediately left the game and did not return. Imaging Monday revealed a moderate sprain without structural damage, but the recovery timeline puts his availability for the first round of the NBA playoffs in question. Minnesota currently holds the 3rd seed in the Western Conference with five regular-season games remaining.
Edwards is averaging 26.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season, serving as the Timberwolves' primary offensive engine. His absence comes at a critical juncture as Minnesota battles Denver and Oklahoma City for playoff positioning. The team faces the Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets during their final stretch.
Head coach Chris Finch told reporters Monday that Edwards will begin rehabilitation immediately. "Ant's a tough kid and heals fast, but we won't rush this," Finch said. Backup guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is expected to see increased minutes during Edwards' absence.
The injury is trending nationally as fans debate Minnesota's playoff prospects without their star player. Edwards had been playing the best basketball of his career, scoring 30+ points in six of his last ten games. The Timberwolves are 4-7 this season in games Edwards has missed.
Team doctors will reevaluate Edwards in two weeks to determine if he can return for the postseason. Minnesota's first playoff game is projected for April 20-22 depending on seeding. The Timberwolves have not advanced past the first round since 2004, when Kevin Garnett led them to the Western Conference Finals.
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Lisa Johnson, unaffiliated with the team, noted that Grade 2 ankle sprains typically require 3-6 weeks of recovery. "Basketball players need full lateral mobility and explosive jumping ability," Johnson told ESPN. "Coming back too early risks reinjury."
Fantasy basketball managers are scrambling to adjust lineups with playoffs beginning next week. Edwards was a top-15 fantasy asset this season in most formats. The injury news caused his roster percentage to drop 12% overnight in Yahoo Fantasy leagues.
The Timberwolves host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday before a crucial back-to-back against Denver and Phoenix this weekend. Minnesota has lost nine consecutive playoff series and last won a championship in 1949 as the Minneapolis Lakers.
