The Timberwolves are gearing up for a pivotal clash against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, but they'll face this challenge without their star guard, Anthony Edwards. Edwards is sidelined due to right knee soreness, as confirmed by the team's injury report.
Edwards had been listed as questionable in the previous two matchups, yet he powered through the discomfort to help secure a win over Golden State and played in a loss to Oklahoma City. Reflecting on the Warriors game, Edwards admitted there was some uncertainty about his ability to take the court.
This absence marks the 11th game Edwards will miss this season, setting a personal record for games missed in a single season. Earlier, he was benched due to hamstring and toe injuries. With Edwards averaging an impressive 29.5 points per game, his absence is a significant blow for the Wolves.
The timing couldn't be more critical. The Wolves are set for a stretch of three home games in four nights, starting with the Suns, who are nipping at their heels in the standings. Phoenix is just one loss behind and already holds the season tiebreaker over Minnesota.
Having dropped four of their last five games, the Wolves are teetering on the edge of slipping to the seventh seed in the Western Conference. A fall to seventh would thrust them into the NBA’s play-in tournament, a scenario they undoubtedly hope to avoid. As the stakes rise, the Wolves must rally without one of their key playmakers.