NBA superstar Anthony Edwards is currently out for the Minnesota Timberwolves and will miss their upcoming Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Edwards, the Timberwolves’ franchise star, suffered a bone bruise and hyperextended right knee in the team’s win in Game 4 against the Nuggets.
While NBA insider Shams Charania first reported that Edwards was expected to miss a few weeks with the injury, a new return timeline may have emerged that could change things for Minnesota, if they are able to advance past Denver.
Timberwolves Get New Anthony Edwards Injury Return Timeline
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to an apparent injury in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
After breaking the news of Edwards’ injury and subsequently being moved to the Timberwolves’ injury report, Charania first reported the news that the star would miss a few weeks with the bone bruise and hyperextension.
However, while it might not change a whole lot, the insider followed that up by saying Edwards would be out at least two weeks. Though he didn’t suffer any serious ligament damage, the knee injury was enough to sideline him for at least the rest of the Timberwolves-Nuggets series, and potentially longer.
“Testing ruled out any ligament damage, a significant sigh of relief for the Timberwolves, but Edwards is still expected to miss the rest of Minnesota’s first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, according to sources,” Anthony Slater wrote for ESPN. “If the Timberwolves advance past the Nuggets, it’s anticipated that Edwards would miss at least a portion of the second round.”
But now, as an official Edwards injury return timeline remains unclear, a new development could shed light on when he is set to get back on the court for Minnesota.
According to ESPN’s NBA injury page, Edwards has an ‘estimated’ return date of May 9. That would be exactly two weeks after he suffered the injury, meaning, based on ESPN’s estimations, he would make as quick of a recovery as possible.
If the Timberwolves are able to advance, May 9 would be roughly in the middle of a potential second-round playoff series. So, as Slater reported, if Minnesota can beat Denver, the idea of him coming back in the conference semifinals can’t be ruled out, at least according to ESPN’s estimated injury return date.
For now, though, Edwards remains out, still officially lacking an injury return date announced by the team or top insiders.
Timberwolves Injury Report For Game 6 vs Nuggets
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to an apparent injury in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. DiVincenzo did not return to the game.
Along with Edwards, the Timberwolves have a few key players listed on their injury report heading into the crucial Game 6 against the Nuggets.
Donte DiVincenzo highlights that list, as he is out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles tendon. While he did have surgery to fix the injury, he could miss all of next year as well, and this early into the recovery process, he is also without an official return timeline.
DiVincenzo was seen at Timberwolves’ practice heading into Game 6, but he will not be playing on Thursday night.
Additionally, Minnesota has Ayo Dosunmu listed as questionable shortly before tipoff. He is dealing with right calf soreness, and his status for Game 6 remains unknown. But while he is uncertain, the Timberwolves did upgrade Bones Hyland to available, as he was previously also questionable with left knee soreness. They also added Kyle Anderson to the injury report, as he’s questionable with an illness.
The Nuggets are expected to be without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson for the matchup.
With Edwards, DiVincenzo, and potentially Dosunmu out, the Timberwolves face an uphill battle in Game 6, and after previously having a 3-1 series lead, they could be on the verge of dropping that, especially if the series goes to a Game 7 back in Denver.
If Minnesota is able to advance, getting back a healthy Edwards would be a top priority. For now, an injury return timeline or date hasn’t been finalized, but the hope is he could come back soon.
Anthony Edwards Injury Return Timeline Emerges Ahead Of Timberwolves’ Game 6