The Minnesota Timberwolves have clarity on Anthony Edwards’ injury timeline — and while the initial diagnosis avoided the worst, the All-Star guard is still expected to miss significant time.
NBA Insider Reveals Anthony Edwards Injury Timeline
Speaking on NBA Today shortly after Minnesota released Edwards’ MRI results, ESPN insider Shams Charania outlined the expected recovery window.
“I’m told that the Timberwolves are expecting Anthony Edwards to be out for a period of multiple weeks,” Charania said.
Edwards suffered a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee, with imaging confirming the injury after what Charania described as a “nasty turn of that knee” in Game 4 of the first round series between the Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the visual severity of the play, the MRI delivered encouraging structural news.
“Thankfully for Anthony Edwards and the Wolves, no ligament damage — no ACL, no MCL, no serious damage in that knee,” Charania added.
Anthony Edwards Will Cost Minimum Two-Week Absence
Even with no ligament damage, the timeline remains impactful.
“And he’s a quick healer, but at minimum, my understanding is this is a two-week minimum injury,” Charania said.
That projection places Edwards out for at least the remainder of the Timberwolves’ current first-round series, with the possibility of extending into the next round depending on recovery progress.
Before the injury in Game 4, Edwards had been a driving force for Minnesota, averaging 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 blocks in 34.0 minutes across the first three games of the series.
His absence leaves a significant void on both ends of the floor.
Timberwolves Expected to Be Without Anthony Edwards for Series
Charania made clear that Edwards’ absence is not short-term.
“[They’re] going to have to be without him for at least the remainder of this series and potentially to start the next series,” he said.
That places added pressure on Minnesota’s depth as the team attempts to advance without its primary offensive engine.
If the Timberwolves can close out the Nuggets, they will likely face the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, who currently holds a 3-1 series lead over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Anthony Edwards Rehab Will Focus on Rest and Recovery
The early stages of Edwards’ recovery will emphasize rest and managing swelling before any return to on-court activity.
“The start of Anthony Edwards’ rehab will be a lot of rest, a lot of recovery to be able to get to the point where eventually he’ll be able to do basketball activities,” Charania said.
Bone-related injuries typically require a gradual progression, limiting how quickly players can return, even when structural damage is avoided.
Anthony Edwards Injury Adds to Ongoing Knee Concerns
Charania also noted that Edwards has dealt with issues in his other knee this season, adding context to the current injury.
“Remember, on the other knee — the right knee — he’s been dealing with runner’s knee,” he said.
That means both knees have been impacted over the course of the season, a factor that could influence how cautiously the Timberwolves manage his return.
What Anthony Edwards Timeline Means for Timberwolves
For Minnesota, the immediate focus shifts to closing out the series and creating as much recovery time as possible.
Avoiding a worst-case diagnosis keeps Edwards’ long-term outlook intact, but the short-term reality remains unchanged.
Even in the best-case scenario, his return will require patience.
And as Charania’s update makes clear, the Timberwolves will need to move forward — at least for now — without their franchise cornerstone.
Timberwolves Get Major Anthony Edwards News as Insider Reveals Injury Timeline