In a major boost for the Minnesota Timberwolves, star guard Anthony Edwards is expected to suit up for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. The news, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, comes after Edwards suffered a knee injury on April 26 that initially cast doubt on his availability for the remainder of the NBA Playoffs.
The injury occurred during Game 4 of the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, when Edwards was diagnosed with a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in his left knee. Early reports suggested he might miss the entire conference semifinal round, but the Timberwolves' medical staff and Edwards himself had other plans.
According to sources close to the team, confidence in Edwards' return grew over the past several days, fueled by his relentless "around-the-clock rehabbing." He progressed from light workouts over the weekend to full participation in Monday morning's shootaround, where he was spotted testing his knee with quick-dribble stepbacks while wearing a protective sleeve.
This isn't the first knee issue Edwards has faced this season. He missed 11 of the Timberwolves' final 14 regular-season games due to inflammation in his right knee, and the lingering effects appeared to carry into the playoffs. In the first-round series against Phoenix, Edwards struggled mightily, shooting just 35.8 percent from the field and averaging only 2.0 three-pointers per game on a frigid 25.8 percent shooting. For context, he entered the 2026 playoffs with career averages of 26.9 points per game, 3.1 three-pointers per contest, and a 46.8 percent field goal percentage over 42 career playoff starts.
The silver lining? Nearly eight full days of rest and focused rehabilitation could be exactly what Edwards needs to rediscover his rhythm. The Timberwolves are hoping that this extended break allows their dynamic guard to not only play in Game 1 but also perform at a level closer to his All-Star form throughout the series. With Edwards back on the floor, Minnesota's chances of advancing just got a whole lot brighter.