The team recently put out a diagnosis regarding Edwards’ injury and when it plans to update his status, according to Brett Siegel. “The Timberwolves say an MRI on Anthony Edwards’ injured knee revealed a left knee hyperextension injury and bone bruise. Edwards will be considered week-to-week, and further updates of his progress will be provided when available,” Siegel wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

But as mentioned, the Timberwolves were in a good position for this to happen, a series almost secured at 3-1. But who knows, Nikola Jokic is a phenomenal player, and the Wolves also deal with the absence of Donte DiVincenzo.

When will Edwards return?

Chris Finch is confident that Edwards will return later in the postseason, and he thinks it would be earlier than his timeline. “We do know that if we keep extending this playoff series, he is going to come back. And he generally comes back ahead of the timeline,” Finch said to reporters.

Which is ideal; however, it is not the same story for DiVicenzo, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 4. Without both Edwards and DiVincenzo, that is, their starting backcourt sidelined, which means it is up to other players to step up.

But they are more than necessary pieces. Remember that if they win and advance to the conference semifinals, they would face the winner of the series between the Spurs and Blazers, which is 3-1 in favor of the Spurs, who are without a doubt one of the contenders led by Wembanyama.

The players who must step up

Ayo Dosunmu was the first player to step up in their absence, and he finished with 43 points in Game 4 and led them to a victory. He will have to continue to play well, and it would not be a surprise if he were moved into the starting lineup.

Bones Hyland and Mike Conley will also see increased minutes, and the hope is that they can impact the game at a high level. For now, the goal is to stay alive in the NBA playoffs as long as possible so that Edwards can come back.

The injury occurred late in Game 4, when he landed awkwardly and had to leave the court after his knee bent backward on the play. Initial fears were significant, but tests revealed no ligament damage.

Chris Finch’s team still holds a 3-1 series lead and will try to finish the job without him. For the Denver Nuggets, his absence could open the door to extend the series—especially with Aaron Gordon also dealing with an injury of his own.

When will Anthony Edwards return to play?

Anthony Edwards is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks and is unlikely to return during the first-round series. Reports indicate he will begin rehabilitation immediately, but the recovery timeline extends beyond the current series against Denver.

That means even if the Timberwolves advance, his availability for the early part of the next round would also be in doubt. While avoiding ligament damage is a positive sign long-term, they will need to plan without the franchise player in the short term.

What happened to Anthony Edwards?

Anthony Edwards suffered a left knee injury (hyperextension and bone bruise) during Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets. He landed awkwardly while contesting a play and had to leave the game early.

The injury occurred in the second quarter, when he immediately grabbed his knee and was helped off the court. Initial concern was high, but tests later confirmed there was no ligament damage, which avoided a worst-case scenario.

Still, the nature of the injury—especially the hyperextension—impacts explosiveness and mobility, two of his biggest strengths. Even though Minnesota went on to win Game 4 and take a 3-1 series lead, the injury quickly became the defining storyline heading into Game 5.

How has the Timberwolves star been performing?

Anthony Edwards has been one of the NBA’s top scorers this season, averaging 29 points per game and leading the Timberwolves offensively. He averaged over 5 rebounds and around 4 assists per game, showcasing his all-around growth.

Against the Denver Nuggets specifically, he has been especially dangerous—putting up over 30 points per game in matchups this season and consistently creating problems with his athleticism and shot-making.

In the playoffs, his impact remained strong before the injury, helping the team build a 3-1 series lead. His absence now removes the team’s primary offensive engine, forcing others to step into a much larger role.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets’ next games

The next game is Game 5, with the Timberwolves leading the series 3-1 and looking to eliminate the Nuggets. Game 5 is scheduled in Denver, where the Nuggets will try to extend the series and avoid elimination.

If necessary, the remaining schedule would be:

• Game 6: Back in Minnesota | Thursday, April 30
• Game 7: In Denver (if needed) | Saturday, May 2

The series follows a best-of-seven format, meaning Minnesota needs just one more win to advance, while Denver must win three straight games to stay alive. With Edwards sidelined, Game 5 becomes even more unpredictable.

ESPN‘s Shams Charania reports that Edwards, a key player for the Timberwolves, has suffered a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee, which will likely sideline him for several weeks during the 2026 NBA playoffs. Charania stated, “Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has sustained a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee and is expected to miss multiple weeks.”

Dr. Evan Jeffries anticipates that Edwards’ recovery could take approximately 2 to 4 weeks. While this is not the worst-case scenario, it remains uncertain whether he will return in time to participate in the remainder of the playoffs.

This injury comes on the heels of the NBPA’s unsuccessful appeal to make Edwards eligible for postseason awards, a case ultimately dismissed by an independent arbitrator. Now, Minnesota must find a way to navigate a massive postseason void without the very player who has defined its identity all year.

Is there a chance for Edwards to play in the playoffs?

After torching the Nuggets with a string of brilliant performances through the first four games of this series, Edwards finds himself in a grueling race against time. The severity of the knee injury has raised legitimate fears that his season could be over just as the Timberwolves were hitting their stride.

Despite the grim optics, the 3-1 series lead provides Minnesota with a crucial bit of “math” in its favor. If Denver manages to extend the series to a Game 7, the additional days of rest could potentially open a window for Edwards to return for a hypothetical Western Conference Semifinals appearance.

Ultimately, his availability hinges on how his knee responds to an aggressive rehabilitation program. However, the clock is ticking loudly; with the Timberwolves’ front office and fan base fixated on a deep championship run, the pressure to get their star back on the hardwood has never been higher.

The star guard is managing a right knee issue that has followed him throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with the team treating it as “injury maintenance” rather than a new setback.

He has been playing through discomfort since the opening rounds, but remains the Timberwolves’ offensive leader and primary scoring threat. Final confirmation on him is expected shortly before the 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

How and when did Anthony Edwards get injured?

Anthony Edwards did not suffer a single in-game injury during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, but instead has been dealing with right knee inflammation that first appeared late in the regular season.

The issue developed over time due to workload and cumulative wear, rather than a specific collision or moment on the court. He missed multiple games in March as the team managed what was diagnosed as knee inflammation.

The condition flared up during the final stretch of the regular season, forcing the franchise to limit his minutes and rest him in several matchups before the playoffs began. Since returning for the postseason, he has been available but not fully at 100%.

How serious is the knee inflammation?

The knee inflammation affecting Anthony Edwards is not considered a structural or season-ending injury, but it is serious enough to require ongoing management throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

He missed 11 of the team’s final 14 regular-season games due to the issue, which highlights how carefully the franchise has handled his recovery process. The condition does not require surgery but can worsen with heavy usage.

Why has he been listed as questionable?

Anthony Edwards has been listed as questionable because the Timberwolves are applying a precautionary “injury management” approach rather than reacting to a new setback. This allows the team to evaluate his condition right up until pregame warmups.

The questionable tag is directly tied to right knee maintenance, a strategy Minnesota used a lot. In practice, this means: Edwards is often a game-time decision, his status depends on warmup response and mobility testing, and the team is managing long-term playoff availability rather than short-term absence.

Justin Holland, Edwards’ business manager, expressed his frustration via a joint statement following the NBA’s ruling. “Anthony and I appreciate the PA appealing his case. For me personally, I’m a bit confused at the clemency for Cade, who missed time for something that happened on the court, and not Ant, who missed time for an infection,” Holland wrote, in a statement shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Holland emphasized that the news was difficult for Edwards to swallow, not necessarily because of the individual accolades at stake, but because of his deep-seated desire to be available for his team throughout the 82-game grind.

“He was mad because it meant he didn’t get to play in all 82, which is what he always tries to do for his teammates and fans,“ Holland remarked, according to Charania.

Would Edwards have contended for major honors?

In the NBA, being nominated for year-end awards is a prestigious milestone, but the threshold for actually taking home a trophy remains incredibly high. Eligibility is only the first hurdle in a season-long race for greatness.

Had the NBPA ruled in Edwards’ favor, he likely wouldn’t have been a frontrunner for MVP or Defensive Player of the Year, but an All-NBA selection was almost certainly within reach. Securing a spot on an All-NBA team isn’t just a career accolade; it carries significant implications for future contract extensions and “supermax” eligibility.

Edwards stirs the pot ahead of Nuggets series

The Denver Nuggets have entered every recent postseason as a heavy favorite to raise the NBA trophy, largely due to the presence of Nikola Jokic. However, for Edwards, this matchup represents more than just another hurdle in the Western Conference bracket.

“I think me and Denver is one of the best rivalries in the NBA currently,” Edwards told the media ahead of Saturday’s Game 1. With those comments, ‘Ant-Man’ signaled that he views this series as a personal showdown rather than just another game on the schedule.

As reported by insider Shams Charania, Doncic and Cunningham are still in contention for awards such as Most Valuable Player (MVP) and All-NBA selections despite playing in less than 65 games this season—the minimum required to be eligible for annual awards.

However, Doncic and Cunningham appealed under the Extraordinary Circumstances provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and the NBA and Players Association (NBAPA) ruled in their favor. Edwards, who appeared in 60 games this campaign, also filed a challenge, but he didn’t have the same luck as the Lakers and Pistons point guards. After all, four games may make a huge difference.

NBA sends out official statement

“The NBA and NBAPA agreed that, taking into account the totality of the circumstances for Cunningham and Doncic, each player qualified for awards under the extraordinary circumstances provision in the CBA,” the NBA’s statement read.

“Edwards, who played in 60 qualified games, filed an extraordinary circumstances challenge seeking award eligibility before an independent arbitrator. Edwards’ challenge was denied and, as a result, he is not eligible for annual awards in the 2025-26 NBA regular season.”

Why Doncic’s challenge was successful

Though they still put up very strong numbers, Doncic, Cunningham, and Edwards fought setbacks and injuries all season long. The Slovenian star has been dealing with a hamstring Grade 2 strain recently. Doncic flew to Spain to undergo special treatment.

As he returned to the City of Angels, the Lakers learned Doncic may not return before Game 3 of the first round series against the Houston Rockets in the NBA Playoffs. However, the league explained his challenge was successful not because of the injuries, but because he appeared in 64 qualified games, and missed two games when he attended the birth of his daughter in Slovenia.

Cunningham and Edwards’ cases

As for Cunningham, he missed a large portion of the 2025–26 schedule due to a collapsed left lung. Thus, as he appeared in 63 qualified games, per the NBA’s statement, the league took into account the rarity of his setback, which caused him to fall short of the 65-game criteria.

Edwards has dealt with knee issues, and that largely explains his games total being below 65. However, the NBA believes that isn’t quite an “extraordinary circumstance.” As a result, Edwards, who finished the year with an average of 28.8 points (third-best in the league), is now out of the race for MVP and All-NBA teams. Doncic (33.5 PPG average, best in the league) and Cunningham are still in contention for awards.

According to the latest injury reports, Edwards is managing a knee issue, while Randle is dealing with hand soreness. Both players were added to the report late in the week after featuring in recent games during the tight late-season schedule.

Neither injury appears to be long-term, but both have been classified as day-to-day situations, meaning their availability is expected to be determined closer to tip-off at the Toyota Center.

How and when did Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle get injured?

Anthony Edwards has been dealing with a right knee issue that first surfaced in mid-March 2026, while Julius Randle’s right hand soreness emerged during the recent late-season stretch, including the April 8 game vs. the Orlando Magic.

Edwards’ injury is not tied to a single play but rather ongoing knee inflammation (patellofemoral pain) that has caused him to miss multiple games in recent weeks, including contests in early April.

Randle, meanwhile, was held out on April 8 against Orlando due to right hand soreness, with the issue appearing as part of workload management during a back-to-back scenario rather than a traumatic injury event.

Both players were subsequently listed on the official injury report again ahead of the matchup against the Houston Rockets, reinforcing that these are ongoing, late-season physical issues rather than new injuries suffered in a single game.

How long is the recovery timeline for Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle?

Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are both considered day-to-day, with no long-term recovery timeline currently expected. Edwards’ knee condition has been managed carefully for several weeks. For Randle, hand soreness is typically a short-term issue, and his absence on April 8 was largely precautionary due to schedule congestion rather than severity.

How have Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle performed so far this season?

Anthony Edwards has led the Timberwolves as their primary scorer and offensive engine, while Julius Randle has been a consistent secondary option providing scoring, rebounding and physicality.

Edwards has delivered another standout campaign, carrying a heavy offensive load and emerging as one of the league’s top perimeter scorers. Even while managing knee issues, he has remained central to their identity on both ends of the floor.

Randle has complemented that production with reliable scoring and frontcourt presence, often stepping into a larger offensive role during games Edwards has missed. His ability to create offense in isolation and contribute on the glass has been key during Minnesota’s playoff push.

Together, they’ve formed one of the most important duos in the Western Conference, with their availability continuing to shape the Timberwolves’ ceiling heading into the postseason.

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.