Anthony Edwards‘ left knee injury is considered a week-to-week issue, according to a press release from the Timberwolves (Twitter link via Chris Hine of The Star Tribune). An MRI conducted at the Mayo Clinic revealed a left knee hyperextension injury and bone bruise.
The team’s announcement represents confirmation of an ESPN report that stated Edwards would be sidelined multiple weeks. Minnesota leads its first-round series against the Nuggets, 3-1.
The Timberwolves’ superstar guard sustained the injury late in the second quarter of Game 4 (Twitter video link via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype). Edwards jumped to contest a layup by Cameron Johnson, and Johnson’s forward momentum caused Edwards to move backward in the air. Edwards landed awkwardly and his left knee buckled. He immediately grabbed at his knee on the ground.
Edwards entered the playoffs dealing with a nagging right knee injury, which caused him to miss extended time at the end of the regular season. He averaged 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 blocks through four playoff games, but struggled with efficiency, posting a shooting slash line of .358/.258/.857.
Minnesota’s other starting guard, Donte DiVincenzo, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon early in the first quarter of Saturday’s win. Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves will have to rely on breakout star Ayo Dosunmu along with Mike Conley, Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. for the remainder of its first-round series vs. Denver.
If the Wolves advance, Edwards figures to push hard to try to return at some point in the second round, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic (Twitter link).