Edwards return – Anthony Edwards is working through a left-knee injury and hopes to face Victor Wembanyama in Round 2 as Minnesota and San Antonio renew their rivalry.
A single phone call backstage set the tone for one of the NBA’s most intriguing matchups, and now Anthony Edwards is hoping the story ends on the court.
During All-Star Weekend. Victor Wembanyama reached out to Edwards ahead of their teams meeting. emphasizing their “matchup” as the kind of matchup fans expect from franchise-defining stars.. That energy carried over to the All-Star Game itself, where Edwards went on to earn MVP honors.. With the Western Conference playoffs now turning to the Spurs and Timberwolves in the second round. the question hanging over every possession is simple: will Edwards be back when the two superstars finally face each other again in meaningful games?
Right now, Edwards’ availability depends on his recovery.. Misryoum reports that Edwards has been undergoing around-the-clock treatment for his injured left knee and has shared with teammates that he plans to return at some point during the series.. The Timberwolves have not provided a firm timetable. and he is not expected to be available for the opening game. making an early start unlikely.. Even so, the signs from inside the team point to continued optimism.
Insight: In a series defined by matchups, Edwards’ return would change more than Minnesota’s rotation. His presence carries psychological weight, and the spacing and rhythm he provides can shift how a team chooses to defend Wembanyama.
Minnesota head coach Chris Finch has reinforced that the situation remains week-to-week.. After practice. Finch described how circumstances must play out for Edwards to get back on the floor. while also underscoring how much the team needs his gravity.. Edwards suffered a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee during Game 4 of the previous series. and he did not play in the final stretch as Minnesota pushed through.. The Timberwolves still managed to advance, which has offered some relief while also leaving room for frustration about missed time.
Insight: The timing of return matters in playoff basketball, where momentum can swing quickly. The longer Edwards stays out, the more Minnesota has to adjust, but each healthy day also increases the odds that he can contribute at full intensity.
There are additional angles to Edwards’ recovery that make his potential return especially compelling.. With time off. he can also rest a different knee that had been limiting him earlier. an issue that affected his availability during the regular season and early rounds.. Meanwhile. the playoff schedule provides a pathway for a comeback. with Minnesota playing on alternating days through the early games and built-in rest windows if the series extends.. Misryoum also notes that Edwards stayed engaged with team plans, including communication with teammates about joining them during the run.
Even beyond Edwards, the series includes another key variable: guard Ayo Dosunmu’s status.. Finch said Dosunmu missed Game 6 with a sore right calf and was limited to light work afterward, remaining day-to-day.. That uncertainty adds another layer to Minnesota’s planning. especially as the Timberwolves try to sustain the kind of form that carried them into this matchup.
Insight: For fans, this is turning into a “what if” series, but for coaches it is a logistics series. Every update on injuries affects lineups, matchups, and game plans, so the next few days could determine how naturally Minnesota matches up against San Antonio.