Following the Timberwolves’ second-round loss to the Spurs this year, Anthony Edwards admitted the two teams were budding rivals. Still, when looking back on the series, he made sure to give them credit for a job well done, making it clear that a rivalry exists.

“Hell yeah, hell yeah, hell yeah, it’s a rivalry,” said Edwards. “I tip my hat to them young n****s, they came out to ball. Them boys balled. I have nothing bad to say about the Spurs; they balled. Like one thing about me, when you beat me, I ain’t no hating that, I ain’t got that in my blood. But we’ll be back.”

NBA rivalries may not be what they used to be, but animosity still exists between some teams and players. Today, some of the most recognized rivalries include Spurs vs. Thunder, Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, and Lakers vs. Warriors. Now, we can add the Timberwolves vs Spurs to the list, and it could produce content for many years.

How the series went between both teams

At this stage in the timeline, it’s impossible to say which team will get the upper hand between these teams, but we just saw a glimpse of what their future showdowns could look like. This year, Edwards led the Timberwolves to an impressive win in the first round against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

They were underdogs in the series but still managed to pull off the upset thanks to strong leadership and balanced contributions across the roster. Coming off two straight runs to the NBA Conference Finals (2024 and 2025), the Wolves had their eyes set on making it a third, but the Spurs got in the way.

Other than Games 1 and 4, the Spurs controlled much of the series, limiting the effectiveness of key players like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. For his part, Edwards tried his best to carry his team to victory with averages of 24.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across the 6-game Western Conference Semifinals.

In the end, the Timberwolves didn’t have enough firepower to topple the Spurs, and Victor Wembanyama was a huge part of that. His ascent is shifting the NBA’s balance of power, and Edwards found himself cheering when he got ejected in Game 4 of the series. Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that Victor’s team is currently still alive in the NBA playoff fight, while Edwards is watching from home.

Speaking during a broadcast on Prime Video, the Dallas Mavericks legend expressed his clear distaste for the display of overconfidence and early surrender. “I’ve watched the NBA and been a part of it for a long, long time, and I’ve never seen this. A guy walking into the huddle with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter and dapping up the entire team?“ Nowitzki questioned.

The Hall of Famer felt that the gesture was disrespectful to the competitive nature of the postseason and the intensity expected during the conference semifinals. “Dapping up the entire team? Too much for me,” Dirk added, highlighting that while respect is important, giving up on a game while fans are still in their seats feels out of place in professional basketball.

Haslem joins the criticism

Udonis Haslem was another veteran voice who didn’t hold back when discussing the optics of Edwards‘ interaction with the Spurs’ bench while the game was still technically active. “As a leader, I would not have walked down there and shook their hands… with 8 mins left,” Haslem remarked, emphasizing that a franchise player should maintain a competitive fire until the final buzzer sounds.

Despite this controversial moment, Edwards has put up spectacular numbers throughout the 2025-26 season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier scoring threats. He entered the postseason with high expectations, but his performance against the Spurs during the conference semifinals was a rollercoaster of good individual plays and frustrating team-wide inconsistencies.

Ultimately, while Edwards’ talent is top notch, his actions during the blowout loss have sparked a wider debate about leadership and maturity in the modern NBA. Navigating a playoff series against a disciplined San Antonio team requires focus for all 48 minutes.

When asked about the possibility of Wembanyama being sidelined, Edwards admitted he might actually prefer seeing the big man on the court. “Honestly, I think it was kind of harder [without him]. Of course, they’re a really great team with him on the floor, but they play a lot slower when he’s out there because everything revolves around him,” Edwards told reporters.

It is a bold perspective considering Wembanyama is the league’s premier rim protector, averaging a staggering 4.4 blocks per game this postseason. However, “Ant-Man” may have a point; the Spurs’ offensive identity is so tethered to Wembanyama’s gravity that their pace noticeably shifts when he anchors the unit.

These comments follow Edwards’ earlier remarks prior to Game 4, where he emphasized his focus on cracking the code of the Spurs’ defensive scheme and finding a definitive way to neutralize Wembanyama for the remainder of the series.

Spurs clear Wembanyama for pivotal Game 5

Despite the uncertainty following his late-game exit in Game 4, a report has confirmed that Wembanyama will be available for Game 5. The star center was ejected in the previous contest following an altercation with Timberwolves‘ forward Naz Reid, sparking league-wide debate over a potential suspension that never materialized.

As both squads gear up for a pivotal tilt, Wembanyama continues to demonstrate a championship-level urgency. Now in his third NBA season, the young cornerstone appears singular in his focus: delivering a title to the San Antonio faithful.

Projected lineups for Game 5

With both Edwards and Wembanyama expected to lead their respective squads onto the floor, the supporting casts will be under the microscope. Both head coaches are facing a chess match as they look to adjust their rotations and find the tactical edge in a series that has become a defensive grind.

Here are the projected starting lineups for tonight’s Game 5:

• Spurs:
  • PG De’Aaron Fox
  • SG Dylan Harper
  • SF Stephon Castle
  • PF Keldon Johnson
  • C Victor Wembanyama

• Timberwolves:
  • PG Mike Conley
  • SG Anthony Edwards
  • SF Jaden McDaniels
  • PF Julius Randle
  • C Rudy Gobert

After Game 3, Edwards was extremely candid when acknowledging the difficulty of trying to square up against the 7-foot-6 French phenom. “They got somebody who 7-6 on the floor. (Wemby) takes up a lot of space,” Edwards said. “Just trying to figure out ways to find an open man around him because in the paint, he’s just everywhere.”

This will be key for the Timberwolves to manage to beat the Spurs with Wembanyama, who is hungry to win the championship, something similar to the first game, where he was defensively neutralized, because yes, he ended up setting a blocks record, but in scoring, he finished well below expectations.

Edwards and Wembanyama’s game

As one would expect, they had no answer for the sheer dominance of Victor Wembanyama. Despite a strong showing by Anthony Edwards, 32 points and 14 rebounds, Wembanyama was the usual force that could not be stopped as he finished with a playoff career-high 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks.

He shot 13-for-18 from the field, 3-for-5 from the 3-point line, and 10-for-12 from the free throw line. Wembanyama scored 16 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter.

In essence, Wembanyama changes the entire Timberwolves offense. He forces them to kick the ball out, limits driving attempts to the basket, and compels them to rush shots. Wemby became the fastest player to reach 100+ points and 30+ blocks in the NBA Playoffs. Meanwhile, Edwards is trying to persevere through these difficulties while recovering from a knee injury.

What is next for this series?

Game 4 will be held on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. CST/7:30 p.m. EST at Target Center in Minneapolis. We could be witnessing the beginning of the road to a series that will extend to a Game 7 for all NBA fans.

According to updated reports ahead of tip-off, the popular shooting guard is still managing a left knee bone bruise that has lingered since the previous playoff round, while Dosunmu continues to deal with right calf soreness.

The Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 2 trying to build on their opening win, but all attention remains on Edwards’ status after he was able to return in Game 1 despite not being at full strength, logging limited minutes.

How and when did Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu get injured?

Anthony Edwards is currently managing a left knee bone bruise suffered during the previous round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, while Ayo Dosunmu is dealing with a right calf injury that has kept him in and out of the Timberwolves’ rotation.

Edwards originally picked up the injury in a physical postseason matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Despite that, he surprisingly returned in Game 1 of the series against San Antonio, logging limited minutes while still producing key scoring stretches.

Dosunmu’s situation has been more gradual, with calf soreness developing after heavy minutes earlier in the postseason. The issue escalated to the point where he missed multiple games, before being upgraded to a day-to-day status.

Minnesota has described his recovery as “maintenance-based”, meaning his availability depends heavily on how he responds during pregame testing.

How important are them for the Timberwolves roster?

Anthony Edwards is the clear franchise centerpiece for the Minnesota Timberwolves, serving as their primary scorer, offensive creator and emotional leader in high-pressure playoff situations.

His presence dramatically changes their ceiling, as he consistently draws defensive attention that opens space for teammates like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. When he is on the floor, Minnesota operates as a top-tier Western Conference contender.

Ayo Dosunmu, while not the franchise star, has become a crucial rotation piece during the postseason due to his scoring bursts and defensive versatility. His 40+ point playoff performance earlier in the run highlighted his ability to change games off the bench, making him a key X-factor in close matchups.

Together, both players shape Minnesota’s depth and flexibility. Edwards drives the system, while Dosunmu provides secondary scoring punch—meaning Game 2 could swing heavily depending on whether either is fully available.

When asked about Edwards’ status for Monday’s clash, Randle offered a firm “I can’t tell you that,” before doubling down on the mystery. “Who knows? We’ll see at 8:30,” Randle told reporters, referring to the scheduled tip-off time.

Randle’s comments ahead of this pivotal matchup have sparked a wave of cautious optimism among the Twin Cities faithful, who are desperate to see their leading man on the floor against San Antonio.

After grinding through a grueling series against the Denver Nuggets—a battle that saw Nikola Jokic offer no apologies for the Jalen Daniels incident—the Timberwolves are now looking to topple another Western Conference titan in the Spurs.

Reports point toward “Ant-Man” returning

While Randle played coy with the media, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided a more concrete update. “Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards is expected to play in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, barring any setback pregame,” Charania reported via X.

Despite a lingering knee injury, Edwards has reportedly stayed on track with an aggressive rehabilitation plan. Expectations for his performance remain sky-high, as he has been the undisputed engine driving the Wolves through this deep postseason run.

Projected Game 1 Wolves’ starters

With all signs pointing toward Edwards being a go for the series opener, here is how the Timberwolves’ starting five is projected to look against the Spurs:

• PG Mike Conley
• SG Anthony Edwards
• SF Jaden McDaniels
• PF Julius Randle
• C Rudy Gobert

The focus has now shifted as the Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs with growing optimism around his status.

He has been Minnesota’s offensive engine throughout the season and playoffs, and his presence could immediately tilt the balance in a series that already features contrasting styles and rising stakes.

When and how did Anthony Edwards get injured?

Edwards suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise during Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Nuggets on April 25. It occurred on a defensive play when he landed awkwardly while attempting a block.

Initial fears pointed to a potentially serious issue, but further testing revealed no ligament damage. Despite the relatively positive diagnosis, the Timberwolves initially labeled him “week-to-week”.

What makes this situation notable is how quickly his recovery progressed: less than 10 days later, the shooting guard was already back doing on-court work and pushing for a return ahead of schedule.

How has Anthony Edwards been performing?

Anthony Edwards has been one of the NBA’s top performers, averaging 28.8 points per game in the regular season and leading the Minnesota Timberwolves offensively.

Before the injury, he was in elite form, emerging as the clear centerpiece. His scoring ability, explosiveness and shot creation made him one of the most difficult guards to defend in the league.

In the playoffs, even while dealing with physical setbacks, he remained productive. During the first-round series against Denver, he averaged 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and strong all-around contributions before being sidelined.

He dictates tempo, draws defensive attention and opens opportunities for teammates. That’s why his availability isn’t just about one player; it directly affects how they function on both ends of the floor heading into Game 1.

Those setbacks pushed him into a much larger offensive role, and the former Chicago Bulls guard responded with the best performance of his NBA career. He exploded for 43 points against Denver in Game 4.

He delivered one of the highest-scoring playoff performances ever by a reserve and instantly became a central figure in the series. Now, Minnesota enters another pivotal matchup with uncertainty surrounding its backcourt depth.

Why was Ayo Dosunmu listed as questionable?

Ayo Dosunmu was listed as questionable for Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets because of right calf soreness. The Minnesota Timberwolves added the guard to the injury report just hours before tipoff, creating even more uncertainty.

His injury designation comes at a difficult moment for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are already without Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from a knee injury, while Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn Achilles earlier in the series.

His breakout performance helped Minnesota take control of the series and showed how important he has become for Chris Finch’s rotation. So, the coaching staff is expected to monitor the center closely before Game 6.

How has Ayo Dosunmu performed this season?

Ayo Dosunmu has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his NBA career in 2025-26. The guard averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field during the regular season.

He began the season with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to Minnesota during the year. After arriving with the Timberwolves, he quickly established himself as an important two-way player thanks to his perimeter defense.

His efficiency has been especially impressive for a backcourt player. Dosunmu finished the regular season among the league leaders in field-goal percentage for guards, while also improving as a playmaker and secondary scorer.

Minnesota relied heavily on his athleticism and defensive energy throughout the second half of the season. He has elevated his game even further during the playoffs. Injuries forced him into a featured offensive role against Denver.

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.