Anthony Edwards is anticipated to participate in Game 1 on Monday evening between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs, assuming no issues arise before the match, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
As per an earlier dispatch from Charania Monday morning, Edwards was a “significant contributor” during the morning shootaround session and actively “striving to play.”
Edwards has been out of commission due to a bone bruise in his left knee, an injury he sustained via hyperextension during Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets on April 25. The initial prognosis suggested this ailment would keep him off the court until at least the commencement of the second-round series facing the Spurs.
However, Charania notes that Edwards has received medical authorization to return to action a mere nine days following the injury. The ultimate determination on his participation for Monday night will be made after his pregame routine.
Edwards’ fluctuating availability updates
On Sunday afternoon, the Timberwolves adjusted Edwards’ injury status for Monday’s inaugural game against the Spurs to questionable. This announcement came as a surprise, given previous reporting from Charania indicating Edwards was targeting a comeback in Game 3 or Game 4 of the series.
Charania had previously reported on “NBA Tip-Off” Sunday that Edwards was not expected to compete in Monday’s opener or in Game 2, which is scheduled for Wednesday. Charania mentioned Edwards was “optimistic about potentially rejoining the lineup for Game 3 or Game 4 at the earliest.” Game 3 is slated for Friday in Minnesota, with Game 4 occurring on Sunday.
In that same report, Charania also pointed out that “Minnesota intends to exercise caution” in integrating Edwards back into play, partly due to inflammation in his right knee that kept him sidelined for the latter part of the regular season. Nevertheless, it seems the situation rapidly evolved just before Monday’s scheduled Game 1 tip-off.
The bone bruise prevented Edwards from playing in Games 5 and 6 as the Timberwolves concluded their initial-round series against the Nuggets, though he successfully avoided more severe ligament damage. Now, with a coveted spot in the Western Conference finals on the line, Edwards is poised to feature in Game 1.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Edwards was absent from the Minnesota sideline for Game 6 versus Denver because he was engaged in rehabilitation and receiving treatment, hoping to be available against the Spurs should the Timberwolves advance. The report stated that his knee responded favorably enough over the weekend to render playing in Game 1 a viable option.
Can the Timberwolves contend with the Spurs with Ant back?
Edwards is fundamental to Minnesota’s prospects of contending with a Spurs squad that boasts MVP contender Victor Wembanyama and concluded the regular season with the NBA’s second-best overall record.
Edwards earned his fourth consecutive All-Star selection this season, registering a career-best 28.8 points, along with 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest. He also achieved personal highs by shooting 48.9% from the field and 39.9% on 8.4 3-point attempts per game.
The Timberwolves will be without Ayo Dosunmu on Monday night. Minnesota updated his status to out Monday afternoon due to a calf injury that kept him sidelined for Game 6 against Denver.
Dosunmu proved crucial in Edwards’ absence during the series against the Nuggets. He posted a career-high 43 points, guiding Minnesota to a Game 4 victory after Edwards exited the game with his injury. He subsequently started in Game 5 in Edwards’ place and contributed 18 points.
