The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, April 18, in a game that will feature superstar Anthony Edwards.
There were initially questions about Edwards’ injury status before the game. However, he has since been upgraded to available and will suit up for the Timberwolves’ first playoff game of the season.
Before Game 1, the Timberwolves announced a few key decisions for the contest against the Nuggets.
Timberwolves Announce Starting Lineup For Game 1 Vs Nuggets
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 08: Anthony Edwards #5, Jaden McDaniels #3 and Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves react during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Target Center on January 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In the lead-up to the matchup, Minnesota took to social media to announce its starting lineup against Denver.
Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert were all named starters by head coach Chris Finch and his staff.
Over the course of the season, this has been the ideal starting lineup for the Timberwolves when everyone has been healthy. Ayo Dosunmu, a trade deadline acquisition, had been starting in place of McDaniels while he was dealing with a knee injury, but the wing is back as a starter for the playoffs.
Minnesota will likely use Dosumnu and Naz Reid for their first substitutions, and depending on the flow of the game, could use either of them in the closing lineup. However, going against Nikola Jokic, Gobert remains a crucial asset for them and will be throughout the series, as he’ll be tasked with guarding the three-time MVP.
Anthony Edwards Injury Update
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after making a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Chase Center on March 13, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
The day before Game 1, the Timberwolves announced their injury report, listing Edwards as questionable for Saturday with right knee injury management.
It’s the same knee injury that kept the star out for all but three games over the last month of the regular season, and subsequently held him out long enough to miss out on end-of-season awards.
Edwards has been bothered by the knee condition for several weeks,” Timberwolves insider Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic wrote. “But Edwards did look good in his final game against Houston on April 10, and will have gone eight days between that game and Saturday’s playoff opener…Edwards has a history of healing quickly, and he usually saves his best for the playoffs.”
Still, while questions remain about Edwards’ overall health heading into the playoffs, he was seen going through his normal pregame routine. That, according to Krawczynski, was enough for him to predict the shooting guard would suit up and play.
Edwards has now been upgraded to available for the first game of the postseason against the Nuggets. Minnesota doesn’t have any other players listed on the injury report. Denver just has Peyton Watson listed as out.
In 61 games this year, Edwards averaged 28.8 points, five rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 48.9% shooting. He will be the biggest factor for the Timberwolves’ success in the first round against Denver, and while he might not be 100% healthy, having him in the best health possible is the biggest priority for Minnesota for as long as their season is still alive.
The Timberwolves and Nuggets have matched up in two of the last three playoffs, this being their third date in the four years. The two teams have each won a playoff series, and as Edwards said, there is a rivalry brewing between the two.
Game 1 of the Timberwolves vs Nuggets series tips off at 2:30 pm CST on Amazon Prime Video.
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