Anthony Edwards' Injury Status Shapes Timberwolves-Spurs Second-Round Showdown

Anthony Edwards suffered a left-knee hyperextension and bone bruise in Game 4 of the Timberwolves’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets on April 25. The injury forced him out for the remainder of that series and placed him on a “week-to-week” list as Minnesota entered the Western Conference semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs.

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Minnesota eliminated Denver in six games without Edwards, winning Game 6 110-98. The Wolves now face the No. 2-seeded Spurs, who entered the series as 62-win heavy favorites and 13.5-point underdogs in Game 1. Victor Wembanyama leads San Antonio with a 21-point average and dominant rim protection.

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The series schedule lists Game 1 on May 4 in San Antonio, Game 2 on May 6, Game 3 on May 8 in Minneapolis, and Game 4 on May 10. Sources cite a 1-2-week recovery window, making Game 3 the earliest realistic return, while others view Game 4 as the more probable target.

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Edwards posted a regular-season average of 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 48.9 % shooting. In the first-round playoffs he averaged 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists on 35.8 % field-goal shooting and 25.8 % from three. The MRI confirmed a bone bruise and hyperextension with no ligament damage.

Bleacher Report

Analysts note that a healthy Edwards could dramatically alter the odds, turning the Wolves from +950 underdogs to a competitive contender. His scoring, burst, and defensive pressure affect opponent schemes; without him, Minnesota must rely on Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. Conversely, the Spurs’ strategy hinges on securing early wins before Edwards potentially returns.

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Timberwolves vice president of medical performance David Hines said the recovery timeline is “one to two weeks” and that Edwards “can return sooner if he can hit all his metrics for pain management, mobility, functional strength.” ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Edwards “is hopeful he could push to be back in the lineup, potentially game three or game four at the earliest.” Head coach Chris Finch described Edwards as “still week to week” and offered no firm date.

ESPN

Heavy.com commentary argues that the Spurs must treat Games 1 and 2 as must-win opportunities, warning that relying on an uncertain Edwards return could leave Minnesota vulnerable. The same analysis cautions that the compressed schedule offers limited recovery time, making a Game 3 comeback “a red flag” for San Antonio.

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Edwards posted a YouTube video showing underwater-treadmill work and a brief free-throw session during practice. He traveled with the team to San Antonio and completed light on-court workouts on Saturday and Sunday, signaling progress despite ongoing inflammation in his right knee.

ESPN

Sources differ on the earliest feasible return: Charania and Hines suggest Game 3 (May 8), while other outlets cite the two-week minimum, pointing to Game 4 (May 10) as realistic. No official medical clearance date has been released, leaving the exact timeline unresolved.

Sports Illustrated

• “I think he can return sooner if he can hit all his metrics for pain management, mobility, functional strength.” — David Hines, Vice President of Medical Performance, Minnesota Timberwolves

ESPN

• “Charania stated, “Anthony Edwards himself is hopeful that he could push to be back in the lineup, potentially game three or game four at the earliest.” — Shams Charania, ESPN insider

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• “Anthony Edwards is ‘still week to week,' and Ayo Dosunmu is ‘more day to day,' Chris Finch says,” — Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves (as reported by Dane Moore)

Timberwolves HC Chris Finch shares crucial Anthony Edwards playoff injury update ahead of Spurs series

• “Anytime you can get someone that’s been hurt back, especially Ant, just the gravity that he carries, even him just being on the court will help us out a lot,” — Jaden McDaniels, Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves

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Game 1 on May 4 will test Minnesota’s depth without Edwards. The Wolves aim to stay competitive through Games 1-2 while monitoring his rehab. A return by Game 3 or 4 will be the decisive factor in whether Minnesota can challenge the Spurs’ dominance and extend the series.

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