Edwards had recently returned from a six-game absence to play 23 minutes against the Mavericks, but the combined knee issue and illness forced him back to the sidelines.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch confirmed that the illness was the primary factor in his late scratch against Detroit. Despite the issue, Minnesota will count on its star for tonight’s matchup vs Philadelphia.

Edwards ineligible for NBA postseason awards

By returning for the recent matchup against the Mavericks, Edwards briefly kept his hopes alive for NBA end-of-season honors. However, following his absence in the subsequent game against the Pistons, the Timberwolves star has officially been ruled ineligible for major awards, including All-NBA and MVP consideration.

The NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement requires players to participate in at least 65 games to qualify for postseason accolades. Edwards has appeared in 59 games so far this season, with six games remaining on Minnesota’s schedule.

While mathematically he could reach 65 total appearances, the Minnesota star logged only three minutes in a game against the Pacers, which does not meet the league’s criteria to count as a full game played for award eligibility. This leaves him with the possibility of appearing in a maximum of only 64 regular-season games, one short of the NBA’s mandatory threshold.

Edwards’ massive season

Despite battling persistent knee issues recently, Anthony Edwards is putting together a dominant campaign as the undisputed leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the 59 games he has played so far this season, Ant-Man has averaged 29.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. His efficiency has also reached an elite level, posting career-high shooting marks of 49.3% from the field and 40.4% from behind the arc.

The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to monitor his workload closely after he recently returned from a multi-game absence due to the same knee problem, playing limited minutes in his comeback appearance.

Team staff are being cautious, especially with a back-to-back stretch coming up that could influence whether he suits up against Detroit. At this stage, his status will likely be decided after pregame warmups at Little Caesars Arena.

When and how did Anthony Edwards get injured?

Anthony Edwards is dealing with right knee inflammation that was officially diagnosed after an MRI during the 2026 NBA regular season. According to the medical staff, the issue surfaced after he was listed as questionable and had been playing through knee soreness before being shut down for evaluation.

The injury is not tied to a single in-game collision but instead developed gradually due to workload and recurring discomfort in the same knee. Team sources confirmed there is no structural damage, but the franchise opted for caution to avoid long-term risk during the playoff push.

As a result, the Minnesota Timberwolves placed him on a short-term recovery plan, with a 1–2 week re-evaluation timeline, meaning his availability has been managed game-by-game rather than ruled out long-term.

How many games has Anthony Edwards missed?

Anthony Edwards has missed 14 games during the 2025-26 NBA season due to knee inflammation, with his absence coming in multiple short stretches and potentially more depending on recovery timing.

ESPN reported that he has missed several games across different injury stretches this season, including earlier absences unrelated to the current knee issue, which has increased his total missed-game count compared to previous years.

Because of the Timberwolves’ cautious approach, his absence has not been continuous but instead split into short recovery periods, meaning the final total continues to fluctuate depending on when he returns to full minutes.

How is Anthony Edwards performing this season?

Anthony Edwards is having an elite 2026 season, averaging around 29.5 points per game and ranking among the top three scorers in the NBA. Even with missed games, he remains the clear offensive leader, also contributing strong numbers in rebounds, assists and defensive production while maintaining All-Star-level impact.

Despite injury interruptions, he continues to be a centerpiece for Minnesota’s playoff push, carrying heavy scoring responsibility whenever he is on the floor and reinforcing his status as one of the league’s premier guards.

The All-Star guard had been dealing with a knee injury but was trending toward a potential return at American Airlines Center. He has missed multiple games due to right knee inflammation (patellofemoral pain syndrome).

He has recently returned to on-court work and practiced with the team, signaling that a comeback could be imminent. With Minnesota in the middle of a tight Western Conference race, Edwards didn’t want to miss any more critical outings. Against Dallas, “Ant-Man” will likely be back on the court, leading the Timberwolves (45-29).

What happened to Anthony Edwards?

Anthony Edwards’ uncertain status was entirely due to inflammation (patellofemoral pain syndrome) on his right knee. The setback sidelined him during his team’s last six outings. So far on the season, Edwards has missed 16 games due to different issues. Entering the home stretch of the campaign and pivotal playoff-implication matchups, he is determined to stay healthy and useful for his organization.

The latest injury was confirmed after medical evaluation, with the team opting to shut him down temporarily to avoid worsening the condition. His absence has already impacted Minnesota, which struggled offensively without its leading scorer during that stretch.

Edwards’ numbers in 2025-26

Through 58 appearances in the 2025-26 NBA season, Edwards has been the best player in Minneapolis-St. Paul by a landslide. So far, he registers an average of 29.5 points (career-high), 3.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.

However, availability is the best ability, and that’s been just what “Ant” has missed all year long. Still, all will be forgotten if Edwards leads the T-Wolves to the NBA Playoffs and a deep run in them.

Given how high that total is, it is difficult to imagine it being reached, but for example, Luka Doncic was 149 points away from reaching the 15,000 career points mark, sitting at 14,851 points, and approximately 17,442 points behind Durant. This is an estimate, as Durant continues to add to his total while Doncic does the same, and he has done this in less than a decade in the league.

If he plays close to two decades as Kevin Durant has, he could realistically reach or even surpass that record. On the other side, Anthony Edwards surpassed the 10,000 point mark in January 2026 and currently sits at 10,807 points, putting both players on a path toward that milestone.

Averages of Edwards and Doncic

To understand their trajectory, the Minnesota Timberwolves star has averaged 24.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 439 regular-season games, shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from three-point range, which keeps him on a strong path and suggests that his scoring average could increase in future NBA seasons.

Meanwhile, the Lakers superstar has averaged 29.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.2 assists over 509 regular season games, shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three-point range.

Luka Doncic has even said that he does not expect to play until age 41 like LeBron James, but considering he is currently 27 years old, another decade in the league could be enough to approach Durant’s mark.

The challenge of catching Durant

Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards will not have an easy path, especially if Kevin Durant remains in the NBA at his current level for a few more seasons, which would continue raising the bar.

Taking into account that the Houston Rockets veteran has averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 1,190 regular-season games, while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three-point range throughout his career, the gap could become even more difficult to close.

Edwards is listed as questionable for tonight’s game with right knee soreness. This is a new issue for Edwards, and it remains unclear when he first felt the discomfort, though it likely surfaced during the team’s Friday shootaround.

Outside of an early hamstring strain, the issue that has given him the most trouble this season has been a lingering foot and toe injury. He has frequently appeared on injury reports with “right foot injury management.” The knee soreness represents a new development.

Edwards has missed 10 of Minnesota’s 66 games and has been listed as questionable before several other contests in which he ultimately played.

The MVP level of Edwards

The 24-year-old superstar is already a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, yet his goal remains bringing an NBA Finals appearance back to Minnesota. This season, Edwards has averaged 29.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc across 56 games.

His improved three-point shooting has made him a true mismatch on the offensive end, forcing defenders to guard him more tightly on the perimeter and opening driving lanes where he thrives. That production continues to position him as one of the most impactful players in the NBA.

Edwards is looking to help the Timberwolves get back on track Friday against the Golden State Warriors. During Wednesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Edwards totaled 36 points on 11 of 17 shooting, though it was not enough as Minnesota was blown out 153-128.

The situation of the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves, 40-26, have lost three straight games convincingly, dropping from third place in the Western Conference to sixth. Still, they remain just one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers, who currently hold the No. 3 spot. Friday presents a potential bounce-back opportunity against the ninth-seeded Warriors, 32-33, who have gone 7-14 in their last 21 games.

Steve Kerr’s team is without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and several other rotation players due to injuries, which adds further pressure on Golden State entering the matchup.

Edwards revealed his all-time starting five during a recent interview with Ahmad Rashad. During the conversation, Rashad asked Edwards to name his all-time lineup. Edwards began by naming Stephen Curry at point guard before inserting himself into the lineup.

“I’m going with Steph Curry at the one, Anthony Edwards at the two, I’m going Mike Jordan at three,” Edwards said. “Yeah, Mike Jordan got to go to the three, I got to go to the two.”

Edwards continued by naming his frontcourt, selecting Kevin Durant, whom he has often cited as his favorite player, along with a legendary center. “At my four, I got to put KD, my favorite player, I got to put KD at the four,” Edwards said. “I’m a have to go with probably the Dream at the five. Or Shaq? Yeah, I’m a go with Shaq.”

The absence of LeBron James

As mentioned earlier, many times these types of selections come down to personal preference. That does not mean it is a bad starting five or anything similar, but Edwards himself made it clear that he could not leave his favorite player, Kevin Durant, out of the lineup.

Edwards’ lineup ultimately featured Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant and Shaquille O’Neal, leaving LeBron James off the roster. The Los Angeles Lakers star recently added another milestone to his resume, moving to No. 1 on the league all-time field goals made list after passing Kareem Abdul Jabbar during the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Edwards’ MVP level

Including himself in an all-time starting five may seem surprising right now. However, Edwards is currently playing at an extremely high level and possibly having the best season of his career in the NBA.

Edwards is producing the most efficient campaign of his career. The 24-year-old guard is averaging 29.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting career-best marks of 49.5 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point range. Across 53 games, Edwards has played 35.6 minutes per contest and has served as the focal point of the Minnesota Timberwolves offense while helping guide the team to a 40-23 record in the Western Conference standings.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said he remained serious about his long-discussed idea of attempting to play in the NFL if he captured an NBA championship before turning 30. In a viral clip shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by NBA Courtside, Edwards reiterated the possibility while discussing his long-term ambitions beyond basketball.

“Especially if I get one while I’m still young. I get one before I turn 30, I’m definitely going to try and play football.” Edwards was then asked what position he would consider playing if he pursued professional football. The Timberwolves guard responded while joking about the idea of eventually making the transition.

“Probably receiver,” Edwards said jokingly. “I might try to go, quarterback. Probably backup quarterback. I ain’t really got to play unless my starter gets hurt. I could go for that if my starter quarterback gets hurt and everybody loves a backup… play behind [Patrick Mahomes] or something.”

This is not the first time Edwards has mentioned the NFL

Edwards also referenced the idea again in October 2024 during ESPN’s Cover Up series while appearing alongside Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings. “If I win a ring in the next 3-4 years, I’m going to play football.” The comment once again sparked discussion about whether the NBA star could realistically attempt a crossover.

While the remarks have largely been made in a lighthearted context, Edwards’s comments have drawn attention because of his growing status as one of the NBA’s premier young players. As his profile around the league continues to rise, statements like these naturally generate curiosity among fans.

Even so, such a scenario appears unlikely for now, especially considering the steady progress he has shown in the NBA. The Timberwolves guard is averaging a career high 29.7 points per game along with 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals. He is also shooting career-best marks of 49.4 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from three-point range across 52 games while playing 35.7 minutes per contest.

Reports indicated that Minnesota had one of the strongest chances to acquire two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo at the deadline, but the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decided to keep their franchise cornerstone. The Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors both reached advanced stages in trade discussions before realizing that Milwaukee had no intention of moving Giannis and pivoted toward alternative plans.

NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that Minnesota pursued another All-Star option after stepping away from Antetokounmpo talks. According to Haynes, the Timberwolves explored the possibility of trading for Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, checking in with Charlotte to see if a deal could materialize.

Minnesota aimed to address its point guard needs by targeting Ball, but Charlotte’s recent surge played a decisive role. The Hornets were riding a seven-game winning streak at the time, and General Manager Jeff Peterson preferred to give the current core time to develop rather than disrupt momentum with a major trade.

The Timberwolves could land LaMelo Ball in the future

The Hornets deserve credit for trusting their roster and allowing the group to grow together, especially after a rough start to the season plagued by injuries. Despite the recent winning streak, Charlotte remains outside the NBA playoff picture, sitting eleventh in the Eastern Conference while pushing for a play-in spot.

If Charlotte’s momentum fades, roster changes could become necessary. LaMelo Ball appears to be the most likely trade candidate among the Hornets’ core players, with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel both younger and on more team-friendly contracts.

Minnesota’s demonstrated interest positions the Timberwolves as a potential frontrunner should Charlotte decide to move Ball after the season. Until a long-term solution emerges, the point guard position will remain a priority for Minnesota as they continue building around Anthony Edwards.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Timberwolves have held internal discussions with the Sacramento Kings regarding guard Malik Monk in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. While talks have taken place, no formal offer has been submitted at this stage, leaving negotiations in an exploratory phase rather than active pursuit.

Minnesota currently appears to be the most interested team in Monk. Just weeks ago, the Warriors reportedly stepped away from trade interest involving both Monk and DeMar DeRozan, including scenarios that featured Jonathan Kuminga. That shift has opened the door for the Timberwolves to position themselves as the primary suitor.

From an asset perspective, Minnesota does have potential pieces to offer, including Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, or Naz Reid. While each carries name recognition and rotational value, inconsistency has limited their overall impact. The situation is further complicated by the Timberwolves’ lack of tradable first-round draft capital, as the NBA franchise owes picks to Utah in 2027 and 2029, and to San Antonio in 2031.

Other Timberwolves targets

Another ambitious name on Minnesota’s radar is Giannis Antetokounmpo, a move that would dramatically reshape the franchise. The Athletic’s Sam Amick previously reported that New York, Miami, Golden State, and Minnesota have emerged as the four serious suitors. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst later added that Minnesota’s interest is mutual, noting that Antetokounmpo himself is intrigued by the Timberwolves as a potential destination.

Minnesota’s aggressive approach is largely driven by president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly. Connelly has already demonstrated a willingness to take bold risks, including trading Karl-Anthony Towns following the best season in franchise history. Unlike other executives who hesitate over draft capital and long-term depth, Connelly has shown he is prepared to place multiple rotation players on the table to force Milwaukee into difficult decisions.

However, draft limitations once again present a major obstacle. Minnesota can offer swap rights in 2028, but that value diminishes significantly if Antetokounmpo were willing to extend long-term. San Antonio already controls swap rights in 2030, while Minnesota’s 2032 first-round pick remains frozen due to second-apron restrictions last season. As a result, a pick-heavy trade package from Minnesota is largely off the table, making any blockbuster deal considerably more complex.

Minnesota enters tonight’s game fresh off a thrilling 104-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards was the undisputed hero of that night, burying a cold-blooded game-winner to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The face of the franchise led all scorers with 23 points, adding two rebounds and three assists to his tally.

While head coach Chris Finch is eager to capitalize on that momentum, the Wolves face a significant uphill battle tonight. Anthony Edwards is officially sidelined due to right foot injury maintenance, according to the latest NBA injury report.

However, the Ant-Man isn’t the only major absence for Minnesota. Four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert will also be unavailable as he serves a one-game league suspension. The ban was triggered after Gobert reached the threshold of six flagrant fouls for the season during the win over San Antonio.

Tonight’s showdown in Milwaukee serves as a test for a Minnesota squad that has been on a tear, winning six of its last eight games. With two perennial All-Stars out of the rotation, the spotlight shifts to the Timberwolves’ bench. It is a next man up situation where the team’s depth and role players must step into the void to keep the streak alive.

Rudy Gobert on flagrant foul against Spurs

With 7:35 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Spurs holding an 87-81 lead, Victor Wembanyama pulled up from beyond the arc as Rudy Gobert charged in to contest the shot. However, the Timberwolves center failed to provide the San Antonio big man with a safe landing spot, sending Wembanyama to the floor. Officials whistled the play for a foul and, upon review, upgraded it to a Flagrant 1.

The penalty marks Gobert’s sixth flagrant foul of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension. “It’s tough, because I try to be aggressive contesting shots in the heat of the moment,” Gobert said during a post-game press conference. “I don’t think there’s, at any time, any intention of getting anybody hurt or putting people in dangerous situations”.

The Frenchman followed up with a critique of the officiating, arguing for more consistency in how flagrant fouls are called across the league—especially when he is the one taking the hit. “As long as they keep calling flagrants when I get hit in the back of the head, which happens every night, I’m cool with it. Protecting the players I think is important, but let’s protect all the players,” he added.

Edwards, who is dealing with a foot issue, is ruled out for Friday’s game against the Warriors. He was unable to move past his questionable designation and will miss his first contest since November 3. With the Timberwolves star out of the lineup, the group will need more production from Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, while players such as Terrence Shannon, Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark could see extended minutes.

This season, Edwards has appeared in 20 games for Minnesota and is averaging 28.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from three. The Timberwolves are 13–7 with him on the court, but they are just 2–2 in the four games he missed earlier in the campaign due to a hamstring injury.

The team’s two wins without him came against struggling opponents, the Hornets and the Nets. Meanwhile, Denver and Los Angeles proved to be too strong for Minnesota during that earlier stretch, underscoring how much the Timberwolves rely on Edwards’ two-way presence.

The player who must step up in Edwards’ absence

Randle has taken a meaningful step forward in his first season with Minnesota after averaging fewer than 20 points per game last year, something that had not happened since the 2019–20 season. He is currently averaging 22.9 points and 7.1 rebounds, along with a career-high-matching 6.0 assists per game in 2025–26.

With Edwards on the court this NBA season, Randle posts 28.0 points per 100 possessions. In the four games Edwards missed, the former Knicks All-Star produced 26.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists, numbers that closely mirror his per-36 averages of 24.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists.

Edwards’ impact on the Timberwolves is undeniable, but this stretch offers Randle an opportunity to shoulder more responsibility and show how far he can carry the group. The matchup against the Warriors presents a prime stage for him to prove exactly that.