Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss multiple weeks with a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee, medical tests confirmed Sunday.
The injury occurred late in the first half of Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets as Edwards defended a fastbreak layup. He landed awkwardly, grabbed his knee, and was helped off the floor without putting weight on the leg.
Edwards avoided a more serious ligament injury that would have ended his postseason, but the Timberwolves now face a critical test of their depth.
Backcourt guard Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn Achilles tendon earlier in the same game, leaving Minnesota with two key perimeter players sidelined.
The Wolves entered the series as six-seed underdogs but seized a 3-1 lead, riding a surge of defensive intensity and balanced scoring.
Edwards averaged 28.8 points per game this season, ranking third in the NBA behind Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while shooting 48.9% from the field and 39% from three.
His absence raises immediate questions about Minnesota’s ability to close out the series and advance beyond the first round for the first time in franchise history.
Coach Chris Finch offered no updates after the game, saying Edwards was still being evaluated. Forward Julius Randle checked in briefly at halftime but deferred further contact.
“I saw Ant (at halftime) and kind of dapped him up,” Randle said. “There’s not much to say in those moments. I’ll give him a call tonight, or a text and just check up on him.”
The Nuggets, despite losing the first four games, remain a dangerous opponent led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
If Edwards cannot return, Minnesota will lean heavily on Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and rookie Rob Dillingham to create offense and defend the perimeter.
The Timberwolves have won five straight playoff games, their longest postseason winning streak ever, but have yet to face elimination.
How the injury happened
With 2:45 left in the first half, Edwards leapt to contest a layup by Cameron Johnson. His left knee buckled on impact, causing visible distress as he hit the floor.
Trainers attended him immediately but did not rush him to the locker room, opting instead to assess him in the tunnel.
Edwards popped up and tried to walk but winced, prompting staff to support him off the court.
What the Timberwolves lose without Edwards
Beyond scoring, Edwards draws double teams that create open looks for teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.
His perimeter defense, though inconsistent, disrupts opposing ball handlers and fuels Minnesota’s transition game.
No other Timberwolves player combines his volume scoring, athleticism, and ability to attack closeouts.
What comes next for Minnesota
The Wolves can close the series in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver. A win would advance them regardless of Edwards’ status.
If the series extends, Minnesota’s medical staff will monitor Edwards daily, targeting a potential return for the Western Conference semifinals.
Recovery timelines for bone bruises vary widely, but multiple weeks aligns with typical healing for this type of injury.
Will Anthony Edwards play again this playoffs?
That depends on healing progress and pain tolerance. Sources indicate he is unlikely to return before the conference semifinals at the earliest.
Can the Timberwolves win without Edwards and DiVincenzo?
They have won four straight games without DiVincenzo and showed resilience in Game 4 after Edwards left, but sustaining that level against elite competition remains unproven.