Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a right knee injury, the team announced.
Edwards remains day-to-day after missing Thursday’s 113-108 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The absence came as he continues to manage a knee issue while also dealing with an illness.
Head coach Chris Finch said after the game that Edwards’ illness was the primary reason he did not play.
Edwards Remains Day-to-Day for Timberwolves
Edwards had also been listed as questionable before Thursday’s game, before ultimately being ruled out.
The All-Star guard recently returned from a six-game absence caused by the same knee injury, scoring 17 points in 23 minutes in a win over the Dallas Mavericks on March 30 in his first game back.
His availability remains uncertain as Minnesota approaches the final stretch of the regular season.
If Edwards is unable to play Friday, the Timberwolves are expected to lean more heavily on their backcourt rotation, including Bones Hyland, Mike Conley and Ayo Dosunmu.
Injury Comes at Key Point in Season
The timing of Edwards’ absence adds to the significance of the situation for Minnesota.
He has appeared in 59 games this season, but only 58 count toward the NBA’s official total, leaving him short of the 65-game minimum required to qualify for postseason awards.
With six games remaining on the schedule, Edwards is no longer eligible for honors such as All-NBA or MVP.
The 24-year-old is averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game.
He has led the Timberwolves in scoring and taken on increased playmaking responsibilities this season. He has also been one of Minnesota’s primary options in late-game situations during close contests.
Timberwolves Life Without Edwards
Minnesota was without its leading scorer against Detroit and was unable to close out the game late.
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 27 points, while Ayo Dosunmu and Naz Reid each added 19. Mike Conley scored all 14 of his points in the first half.
The Pistons used an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Edwards’ absence was notable as Minnesota attempted to maintain its position in the Western Conference standings.
The Timberwolves are 10-7 this season without Edwards.
76ers Could Have Joel Embiid Available
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers could have a key player available.
Star center Joel Embiid has been upgraded to probable after initially being listed as doubtful and sitting out Wednesday’s 153-131 win over the Washington Wizards.
The updated status increases the likelihood that Philadelphia will have its leading scorer available against a Minnesota team monitoring Edwards’ condition.
Looking Ahead to 76ers Matchup
Minnesota now turns its attention to Friday’s matchup against Philadelphia, with Edwards’ status remaining uncertain.
Edwards has averaged 24.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 11 career games against Philadelphia.
Minnesota has six games remaining and trails the Houston Rockets by one game for the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.
The Timberwolves will continue to evaluate his condition leading up to tipoff while balancing short-term needs with long-term considerations.
His availability remains a key factor as Minnesota approaches the final stretch of the regular season, particularly with playoff positioning still in play.
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