The Minnesota Timberwolves are holding their breath—and their hopes—for a potential Anthony Edwards return as they gear up for a second-round playoff clash against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. After Edwards missed two-plus games of their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets due to a bone bruise in his left knee, the Timberwolves managed to survive and advance. But to pull off an upset against the Spurs, they'll need their star guard back on the court.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Edwards traveled with the team to San Antonio for Games 1 and 2, but he's not expected to play in either matchup. However, there's a glimmer of hope: Charania reports that Edwards is "hopeful that he could push to be back in the lineup potentially for Game 3 or Game 4 at the earliest." Game 3 is set for Friday in Minnesota, with Game 4 following next Sunday.

The Timberwolves are understandably cautious. Charania notes that "Minnesota is going to be conservative" with Edwards' return, especially given the inflammation in his right knee that sidelined him late in the regular season. The initial injury scare was significant—Edwards hyper-extended his left knee in Game 4, sparking fears of a long-term issue. Fortunately, the diagnosis was a bone bruise, and he avoided ligament damage, allowing him to rest while the team closed out the Nuggets in Games 5 and 6 without him.

Now, with a Western Conference finals berth on the line, the Timberwolves are optimistic. Edwards has been a force this season, earning his fourth straight All-Star selection while posting career highs in points (28.8 per game), rebounds (5.0), assists (3.7), and steals (1.4). He also shot a career-best 48.9% from the field and 39.9% from beyond the arc. For Timberwolves fans, the prospect of seeing Edwards back in action against the Spurs is the kind of boost that could define a series—and a season.