Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was initially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game at Detroit, but he has been downgraded to out, the team announced (Twitter link).
Edwards, who is dealing with right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and an illness, will now be ineligible for major postseason awards due to the 65-game rule.
The 24-year-old has been named second-team All-NBA each of the past two seasons and would have been a strong candidate for another All-NBA spot in 2025/26 after posting career-best numbers in several statistics. Through 59 games, the former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 29.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals on .493/.404/.797 shooting in 59 games (35.3 minutes per contest).
If Edwards plays in Minnesota’s six remaining regular season games after Thursday, he’ll have made 65 appearances in ’25/26. However, one of those appearances doesn’t count toward the 65-game minimum because he only played three minutes. As such, he won’t qualify for awards consideration.
The Timberwolves are currently 46-29, the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. While they’re virtually certain to earn a guaranteed playoff spot — they’re 4.5 games ahead of No. 7 Phoenix — what seed they end up as is still a question mark. Minnesota is only 1.5 games behind Denver (No. 4) and a half-game behind Houston (No. 5).
Trade deadline acquisition Ayo Dosunmu, who posted his second career triple-double (18 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists) in Monday’s win at Dallas, will likely receive the starting nod Thursday with Edwards sidelined.
Where’s Edwards agent crying foul and wanting the 65 game rule changed for the good of the game like Cades? Fine line between good of the game and own financial benefits.
Man Ik this has been talked to death by now. Including by me. But not retaining Ayo was such a stupid move , even for us… not to mention the fact that they didn’t even get anything for him. Yeah miller is nice , if he ever becomes the player Ayo is rn remains a question …
I keep forgetting that Ant is still as young as he is, came into the league a few years shy of being legally able to purchase alcohol lol. But I digress. For myself, I don’t like outright disqualifying guys from eligibility for awards based solely on games played. The league has their folks who decide who is worthy of an award yes? Then let them consider and judge who is worthy. If they feel someone was most valuable despite missing that 65 game rule, so be it. If they feel someone is more deserving because they produced for more games thats fine too. Judge it case by case as you’re supposed to do.