Story perspectives

Anthony Edwards cleared for Game 1 after knee injury

5/5/2026

Summary

Edwards Returns Game1

Anthony Edwards will play in Game 1 of the semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs on May 4, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
He suffered a left-knee hyperextension and bone bruise on April 25, 2026 in Game 4 versus Denver.
Minnesota listed him as questionable on May 3 and cleared him on May 4.
He participated significantly in the Monday shootaround after treatment.
He averaged 28.8 points on 48.9 % shooting (39.9 % from three) this season.

Summary

Edwards Returns

Game 1 of the Conference semifinals starts Monday, May 4, at 9:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
DataballR reports Minnesota scores 1.7 points per 100 possessions less without Edwards while Randle’s usage rises 5.3%.
Terrence Shannon Jr. adds 6.8 points per 75 minutes when Edwards sits.
Ayo Dosunmu is OUT with calf soreness, leaving only Edwards and Randle as the Timberwolves’ backcourt for Game 1.
Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs hold the league’s second-best record.

History

Historical Context

In 2010, Kobe Bryant missed Game 5 of the Lakers-Suns Western semifinal after spraining his ankle, ending a 2-0 series lead and a 108-106 loss. The setback mirrors his 2008 Hornets ankle injury, which spurred teams to tighten medical protocols. In 2026, Anthony Edwards returned from a left-knee hyperextension on May 4, underscoring the league’s continued emphasis on depth and star health.

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Edwards Returns Game1

Anthony Edwards will play in Game 1 of the semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs on May 4, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
He suffered a left-knee hyperextension and bone bruise on April 25, 2026 in Game 4 versus Denver.
Minnesota listed him as questionable on May 3 and cleared him on May 4.
He participated significantly in the Monday shootaround after treatment.
He averaged 28.8 points on 48.9 % shooting (39.9 % from three) this season.

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