Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards eyes mid-series return against Spurs
Following light workouts and travel to San Antonio, Minnesota's Anthony Edwards faces a one-to-two-week recovery window before the playoffs intensify.
League sources indicate growing optimism that Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards could rejoin the lineup against the San Antonio Spurs as early as Game 3 or 4 of the second-round series. Edwards has missed the start of the contest due to a left knee bone bruise and persistent right knee inflammation, but his participation in light on-court workouts has sparked hope for a quicker recovery.
The Timberwolves' medical staff have outlined a recovery timeline of one to two weeks, though this estimate remains conditional on Edwards meeting specific benchmarks for pain management, mobility, and functional strength. David Hines, the team's vice president of medical performance, emphasised that the final decision relies on how the player feels and performs over the next few weeks rather than a fixed calendar date.
Edwards has demonstrated a proactive approach to his rehabilitation, releasing footage of himself running on an underwater treadmill and confirming he will travel with the squad to San Antonio. This aggressive recovery process aligns with his historical reputation as a quick healer, particularly given the urgency of the playoff moment and the need to support the team's efforts.
The upcoming schedule presents a tight window for return, with Game 3 scheduled for this Friday and Game 4 for Sunday. While the medical team will assess his condition closely during this period, the specific date of his return remains unconfirmed pending his ability to hit the required medical metrics in the coming days.
Without Edwards, the Timberwolves successfully clinched their first-round series victory over the Denver Nuggets, winning Game 6 at home while he was sidelined. However, the team now faces a significant challenge in the second round, where they are considered heavy underdogs against the Spurs, who finished the regular season with 62 wins.
The organisation will continue to prioritise player safety while balancing the competitive demands of the postseason. Any decision to activate Edwards for the remainder of the series will be made only after ensuring he is medically cleared to perform without restriction.
