The Minnesota Timberwolves are riding a wave of momentum, but they’re heading into their next matchup with a few key questions hanging in the air-chief among them, the status of their star guard, Anthony Edwards.
Fresh off a statement 117-103 win over the Sacramento Kings, the Wolves looked every bit like a team finding its rhythm. Even without Edwards on the floor, Minnesota showcased the kind of depth and cohesion that’s been quietly building all season.
Jaden McDaniels dropped 21 points, Julius Randle poured in 24, and both Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland added 18 apiece. Naz Reid chipped in 20 of his own, giving the Wolves a balanced offensive attack that didn’t skip a beat despite the absence of their franchise cornerstone.
But now, as they prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies, all eyes are back on Edwards-who’s officially listed as questionable with a lingering right foot injury. Head coach Chris Finch provided a cautiously optimistic update, noting that Edwards is “headed in the right direction” and remains day-to-day. The 22-year-old was able to move around and get some shots up during Monday’s session, but there’s still no clear timeline for his return.
“It's definitely improving,” Finch said Tuesday. “We’ll see what he looks like coming in today.
But he was able to move around and get up some shots yesterday. We’re headed in the right direction, but I’m not sure of an exact return time just yet.”
Adding to the injury concerns, veteran point guard Mike Conley will be sidelined with an ACL issue, thinning out the backcourt rotation even further. That puts added pressure on the rest of the roster-not just to produce, but to maintain the chemistry that’s helped fuel their recent surge.
And make no mistake: this team is surging. Winners of seven of their last eight, the Timberwolves are currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference with a 17-9 record. They’ve been defending at a high level, sharing the ball, and finding ways to win even when the lineup isn’t at full strength.
Still, there’s no denying what Edwards brings when he’s in the mix. His scoring punch, defensive energy, and ability to create in crunch time elevate the Wolves from a solid playoff team to a legitimate threat in the West.
Without him, the margin for error shrinks. That means guys like Randle-who’s been stepping up offensively-will need to keep the pedal down.
It also means the supporting cast has to continue delivering in key moments.
The upcoming stretch will test Minnesota’s depth and resilience. If Edwards is able to return soon, the Wolves could be looking at a chance to solidify their place among the conference’s elite. If not, they’ll need to keep leaning on the formula that’s worked so far: balanced scoring, tough defense, and a next-man-up mentality.
Either way, this team has shown it’s ready to compete. Now, it’s just a matter of whether their star will be back in time to help them take the next step.