Anthony Edwards is expected to be sidelined for approximately two weeks due to a strained right hamstring, according to a team source who spoke with The Athletic. The Minnesota Timberwolves announced on Monday that Edwards will undergo re-evaluation in one week, but team insiders believe it will take an additional week for him to be cleared to return to play.
Edwards faced this setback during the game against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, where he exited after just three minutes of gameplay. An MRI conducted on Monday confirmed the severity of his injury, posing a significant challenge for the Timberwolves early in the season.
The 21-year-old star had made a strong start to the season, posting 41 points in a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers and following that up with 31 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where indications of the hamstring issue first appeared. During the brief time he played against the Pacers, he scored five points before leaving for the locker room.
Known for his durability, Edwards played in 79 games in each of the last three seasons, making this the longest span he’s missed in his career. The only comparable period was in December 2021 when he missed six consecutive games.
In the wake of his injury, the Timberwolves plan to adjust their offensive strategy to center around Julius Randle, whose shot creation and playmaking abilities can help fill the void. Randle scored 31 points in the recent win over Indiana and acknowledged that he would naturally receive more opportunities with Edwards absent, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the team’s philosophy.
Teammate Naz Reid expressed optimism regarding Edwards’ recovery, stating that the team would be prepared to step up in his absence. “Just be us,” Reid said. “I think we can all pick up the load and do what we do best. We don’t have to overreact, just do what we’ve been doing. Be consistent.”
The Timberwolves will need to rely on their depth and cohesion as they navigate this period without one of their key players, but with the right adjustments and a collective effort, they can remain competitive in the coming games.