Next up is a second-round playoff matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in which the Timberwolves are expected to need Edwards to have a reasonable chance at pulling off an upset. According to a report on Sunday, there is a chance Edwards will return to the Timberwolves lineup when the series returns to Minnesota.
Advertisement
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on “NBA Tip-Off” that Edwards traveled with the team to San Antonio, where the series will begin with Game 1 on Monday. Edwards has returned to light training but is not expected to play in Games 1 or 2, according to the report.
But Charania reports that Edwards is “hopeful to be able to return to the lineup potentially for Game 3 or Game 4 as soon as possible.” Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at Minnesota. The fourth game will be played next Sunday.
Charania also noted that “Minnesota is going to be conservative” in bringing Edwards back due in part to inflammation in his right knee that sidelined him down the stretch of the regular season.
But the prospect of Edwards returning in time to impact the series is certainly good news for the Timberwolves, especially considering the initial scare surrounding his injury. Edwards hyperextended his left knee in Game 4, raising initial fears that he had suffered a long-term injury.
Advertisement
The bone bruise sidelined him for Games 5 and 6 when the Timberwolves closed the series without him, but he avoided more serious ligament damage. And now, with a spot in the Western Conference finals on the line, there are hopes in Minnesota that Edwards can return to face the Spurs.
Edwards made his fourth consecutive All-Star of the season and averaged a career-high 28.8 points to go along with 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He also posted career highs by shooting 48.9% from the field and 39.9% on 8.4 three-point attempts per game.