The Minnesota Timberwolves just got a major boost ahead of their Western Conference semifinals opener against the San Antonio Spurs. All-Star guard Anthony Edwards has been cleared to play in Monday night's Game 1, returning just 10 days after hyperextending his left knee—a timeline that initially had him sidelined for at least the first two games of the series.
According to Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, the 6-foot-4 guard "is in" for the matchup, though he'll be on a minutes restriction. Edwards expedited his rehabilitation process, going from being cleared for team activities on Saturday to upgraded to questionable on Sunday's injury report. After fully participating in the morning shootaround and passing pre-game workouts Monday, he got the green light to suit up.
The injury occurred on April 25 during Game 4 of Minnesota's opening-round series against the Denver Nuggets, when Edwards suffered a bone bruise along with the hyperextension. The Timberwolves also lost guard Donte DiVicenzo to a torn right Achilles tendon in that same game, but rallied to win the next two contests and advance without Edwards, who missed Game 6 while receiving treatment.
Edwards has been a force for Minnesota this season, averaging 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 61 regular-season games. Against the Spurs specifically, he's been even more electric, putting up 36.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game in three meetings—a series the Timberwolves won 2-1.
On the other side, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama—fresh off being named Defensive Player of the Year on April 20—missed the regular-season opener against Minnesota with a left calf strain. But when healthy, the rookie sensation has been unstoppable, averaging 34 points and 8.0 rebounds in two games against the Timberwolves, including a 39-point outburst in a 126-123 victory on Jan. 17.
With Edwards back in the lineup and Wembanyama ready to go, this series opener promises to be a showdown between two of the NBA's brightest young stars. For Timberwolves fans, the sight of their leader on the court—even on limited minutes—is a welcome sign of resilience.