As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare for their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, injury concerns loom over several key players. After a narrow 113–108 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Wolves are aiming to bounce back and regain momentum.
However, Minnesota had to face off against Detroit without its best player, superstar guard Anthony Edwards, who missed the contest due to both a right knee injury and an illness.
Without Edwards, the team clearly missed his scoring and leadership down the stretch, as a few crucial shots failed to fall in the closing moments. With the postseason approaching, Minnesota currently holds the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Houston Rockets for fifth place.
According to the Timberwolves’ PR account on X, Edwards is listed as questionable for the upcoming game due to right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and an illness. Edwards had also received a questionable designation on Thursday, so it remains unclear if he will be able to return.
With concerns surrounding Edwards’ health as the regular season winds down, another missed game would be a significant blow for Minnesota, as he remains one of their leading scorers. He has established himself as a reliable presence in clutch situations, using his strength, elite athleticism and playmaking ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Through 59 games this season, the 24-year-old is averaging 29.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting 49.3% from the field and 40.4% from 3-point range. His efficiency and scoring consistency have elevated the team’s offensive production throughout the year.
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Edwards has developed into one of the league’s best guards after being selected first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Georgia. Now in his fifth season, he has already built an impressive resume, earning four All-Star selections, two All-NBA honors and All-Rookie Team recognition, along with the 2025–26 All-Star Game MVP award.
Edwards continues to show growth on both ends of the floor, blending the explosiveness of a young player with the poise of a seasoned veteran. His steady improvement offensively and defensively has positioned him as one of the most dangerous players in the league for years to come.
He signed a five-year, $244.6 million contract extension in July 2023, which runs through the 2028–29 season. The deal signals Minnesota’s long-term commitment, firmly establishing Edwards as the leader of the franchise moving forward.
