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.

He has been dealing with lingering left calf tightness throughout the series, an issue that already forced him to miss Game 3 and limited him in Game 4, where he logged just 23 minutes before briefly exiting to the locker room.

After falling behind 3-1 in the first-round series, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are trying to avoid a first-round exit—and they not only need a win at Ball Arena, but also clarity on the status of one of their key two-way players.

When could Aaron Gordon return to play?

Aaron Gordon could return as soon as Game 5, but he remains a game-time decision due to his calf injury. The veteran forward’s availability will likely be determined shortly before tip-off.

Because it’s the playoffs—and Denver is facing elimination—there’s a strong incentive for him to try to play through the injury. However, his condition has already limited his effectiveness, and the team will prioritize mobility and risk of aggravation before clearing him.

How and when did Aaron Gordon get injured?

Aaron Gordon suffered a calf injury during the first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves, with the issue emerging after Game 2. He was later ruled out of Game 3 due to tightness in his left calf.

Reports indicate the injury worsened as the series progressed. He attempted to return in Game 4 but was visibly limited and even went to the locker room during the game before coming back to the court.

How many games has Aaron Gordon missed so far?

Aaron Gordon has missed one game in this playoff series so far, sitting out Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, his availability has been inconsistent beyond that absence.

Even when active, he has played limited minutes and has not been at full strength due to the calf issue. Looking at the bigger picture, durability has been a concern this season.

He appeared in just 36 regular-season games, missing significant time due to multiple injuries, including recurring hamstring problems. That makes his current situation even more impactful for Denver in the playoffs.

How has Aaron Gordon performed this season?

Aaron Gordon has been an efficient and reliable two-way contributor for the Denver Nuggets, averaging around 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this season. His offensive production has remained steady.

He complements Nikola Jokic with cutting, rebounding and the ability to guard multiple positions. Earlier in the season, he even delivered standout performances, including a historic 50-point game on opening night.

Denver Nuggets’ next games

The Denver Nuggets’ next game is Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with their season on the line. The matchup takes place in Denver, with the team trailing 3-1 in the series. If they win, the series will continue with:

• Game 6 in Minnesota | Thursday, April 30
• Game 7 (if necessary) back in Denver | Saturday, May 2

The first round follows a best-of-seven format, meaning David Adelman‘s team must win three straight games to advance. With elimination pressure mounting, Gordon’s status becomes one of the defining factors.

Jokic made it clear that he did not regret taking part due to what he saw as a lack of respect. McDaniels broke the unwritten rule all NBA players follow. Jokic said McDaniels’ scoring toward the end of a one-sided game pushed him over the edge, he said, per ESPN. “I don’t regret it,” he said postgame. “Because he scored after everybody stopped playing.”

After the clash between McDaniels and Jokic, Julius Randle stepped in to defend his teammate, which intensified the situation and led to both Jokic and Randle being ejected from the floor with just one second remaining in the game.

Jokic and Randle fined

Nikola Jokic was fined $50,000, and Julius Randle received a $35,000 fine, on the other hand, for their roles in the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves Game 4 fight, the NBA announced Sunday.

Both teams were set to meet again in Denver for Game 5, with the Wolves holding a commanding 3-1 series lead and now one win away from eliminating the Nuggets. And it was better that there were no suspensions, so they could be seen in action with that edge already established.

In addition, the 3-1 situation was not favorable at all for the Nuggets; however, the Timberwolves would now deal with the absence of Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, both due to injury.

Jokic praises Gobert

Nikola Jokic threw shade at the officials while praising Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, as he had been one of the key factors behind the Serbian star’s inconsistent performance.

Jokic finished with 24 points on 8-22 shooting, 15 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. On the other side, Gobert finished with 15 rebounds, two blocks, two steals, two assists, and four points, making his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor, holding Jokic to 36.3% shooting.

“Average…It’s a little bit of everything. You know, I’m not shooting the ball really well, especially from the three, and you know, Rudy is doing a good job with being physical, testing the officials, contesting shots,’’ Jokic said. “You know, he’s a really good defender. And not just him, they play very good … they’re big, long, tall, handsy, trippy, they’re bumping you, so… I think I answered your question.”

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.

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.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks seriously considered a blockbuster deal that would have sent Giannis to South Beach in exchange for a package centered on Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, additional players, and multiple draft picks and pick swaps.

As Golden State and Minnesota sensed Milwaukee was hesitant to move its star and pulled back to finalize other deals, Miami remained at the table until the final hours. Ultimately, the deal failed to materialize because Milwaukee’s ownership intervened, believing it was better to wait until the summer of 2026 to field potentially superior offers.

Giannis’ days in Milwaukee are numbered

While Antetokounmpo remains on the roster for now, his departure appears inevitable. The relationship between the franchise and its greatest icon has deteriorated rapidly following a knee injury sustained on March 15, which has sidelined him for 11 consecutive games.

This friction triggered an NBA investigation on March 24, as league officials grew concerned that the Bucks were “tanking”. The situation took a bizarre turn when Giannis publicly contradicted the team’s medical report, claiming he is fit to compete.

“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game. I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available”.

Conversely, the Bucks offer a different narrative. Per Charania, the organization claims Giannis “declined the opportunity to play 3-on-3 scrimmages” as part of the mandatory return-to-play protocol.

In what looks to be his final act in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo has played a career-low 36 games, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. With two narratives clashing and a summer bidding war looming, the two-time MVP’s future is the NBA’s biggest question mark. One thing is certain: the Miami Heat will be waiting with a phone in hand the moment the offseason begins.

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.