Anthony Edwards Suffers Knee Injury, Timberwolves Await MRI Results
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards left Friday night's game against the Phoenix Suns with a knee injury, sparking concern among fans and teammates. The 24-year-old shooting guard collided with Suns forward Kevin Durant in the third quarter and immediately clutched his right knee before limping to the locker room.
The Timberwolves announced Edwards underwent initial imaging Friday night, but the team is awaiting full MRI results expected Saturday morning. Head coach Chris Finch told reporters postgame that the injury "doesn't appear to be structural," but cautioned that swelling could affect the diagnosis.
Edwards' injury comes at a critical moment as Minnesota battles for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference. The Timberwolves currently sit third in the standings with just five games remaining in the regular season. Edwards averages 26.1 points per game and serves as the team's primary offensive weapon.
Social media erupted with reactions from NBA players and analysts following the injury. Durant, who was involved in the collision, checked on Edwards during the game and later tweeted: "Prayers up for Ant. Competitor through and through." The Timberwolves went on to lose the game 121-116 without their leading scorer.
Team medical staff will reevaluate Edwards on Saturday after the MRI results. The injury timeline remains unclear, but sources indicate the team is preparing contingency plans should Edwards miss time. Minnesota faces the Denver Nuggets in a crucial matchup Sunday that could determine playoff seeding.
Edwards has played in 78 games this season, establishing himself as one of the league's most durable young stars. His potential absence would significantly impact Minnesota's postseason prospects in what many consider their best championship window in franchise history.
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Lisa Johnson, unaffiliated with the team, told ESPN that initial reports suggest a possible hyperextension or bone bruise rather than ligament damage. "The key will be how his knee responds overnight," Johnson said. "Swelling often tells us more than the initial imaging."
Fans gathered outside Target Center after the game chanting Edwards' nickname "Ant Man" in support. The Timberwolves organization has not released an official statement beyond Finch's postgame comments, but team owner Glen Taylor was seen entering the medical facility after the game.
Sportsbooks immediately adjusted Minnesota's championship odds following the injury, dropping the Timberwolves from +1200 to +1800 at most major books. Fantasy basketball managers scrambled to adjust lineups ahead of Sunday's games, with Edwards owned in 98% of ESPN leagues.
The injury puts additional pressure on Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert to carry the offensive load. Towns recently returned from his own knee injury that sidelined him for 18 games. Minnesota's next practice is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, where updates on Edwards' status are expected.
