Anthony Edwards Optimistic for Timberwolves Return in Game 3 or 4 Against Spurs
Star guard recovering from left knee hyperextension, bone bruise; team exercising caution with playoff timeline
Quick Look
- Anthony Edwards will miss the start of the Minnesota Timberwolves' second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise suffered in Game 4 of the first round.
- However, there is growing optimism he could return as early as Game 3 or 4 this week after completing light on-court workouts.
- The Timberwolves are being cautious with the star guard, who has also been managing inflammation in his right knee.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Anthony Edwards is a star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves and a key player in their playoff run. The Timberwolves are facing the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. Edwards has also been managing persistent inflammation in his right knee over the past month.
SAN ANTONIO -- Anthony Edwards will miss the start of the Minnesota Timberwolves' second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs, but there is growing optimism he could push his way back into the lineup in the coming week, possibly as early as Game 3 or 4, league sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Edwards, who suffered a bone bruise when his left knee hyperextended in Game 4 of the first round, went through a light on-court workout Saturday, worked out again Sunday and will travel with the team to San Antonio.
The Timberwolves prefer to remain cautious with Edwards, who has also been managing persistent inflammation in his right knee the past month. But Edwards is historically a quick healer and has been aggressive in his recovery process, considering the urgency of the playoff moment.
Edwards released a YouTube video on his personal page Sunday morning that included clips of him running on an underwater treadmill and an interview with David Hines, the Timberwolves' vice president of medical performance, who said that the recovery timeline was one to two weeks.
Edwards injured his left knee on a block attempt April 25, two Saturdays ago. Game 3 of the Spurs series will be this upcoming Friday night and Game 4 will be Sunday night, just past the two-week mark.
"How does he look, and how is he feeling these next couple weeks?" Hines said in the video. "I think he can return sooner if he can hit all his metrics for pain management, mobility, functional strength."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Edwards will likely return for Game 3 or 4 of the series
Likely · Within days
Timberwolves will remain cautious with his minutes upon return
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Edwards actually be cleared for Game 3 or 4?
- How limited will he be upon return?
- Will the right knee inflammation become a bigger issue?
