Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is set to take a significant step forward in his recovery from a right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. After missing five consecutive games, the Timberwolves have emphasized that Edwards' absence is a precautionary measure, prioritizing his long-term health.
Now, with the green light to increase his practice activities, Edwards is gearing up for a return to the court. While the team hasn't pinned down an exact return date, the All-Star guard is listed as day-to-day. However, he won't be suiting up for Saturday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons, marking his sixth game on the sidelines.
One driving factor for Edwards' eagerness to return is the NBA's 65-game minimum requirement for end-of-season awards. With his sixth game missed, Edwards must participate in seven of the Timberwolves' final eight games to remain eligible for accolades like MVP and All-NBA honors.
This 65-game rule has sparked discussions across the league, particularly with Pistons' star Cade Cunningham facing a similar predicament due to a collapsed lung. Despite calls for adjustments to the rule from the NBPA and Cunningham's representatives, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently affirmed that the rule is functioning as intended and sees no immediate need for changes.
For Edwards, the clock is ticking. He needs to be back on the court by Thursday, April 2, against the Pistons, and play in all remaining games to qualify for awards.
This season, Edwards has been a standout performer, averaging 29.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His shooting efficiency is noteworthy, hitting 49.2 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Alongside Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant, Edwards is one of only two players averaging at least 26 points while maintaining such high shooting percentages.
Currently, Edwards ranks third in the league in scoring, trailing only Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His return is highly anticipated, not just for the Timberwolves' playoff push, but also for his pursuit of individual accolades in this standout season.