The Minnesota Timberwolves are fighting for playoff seeding. They sit sixth in the Western Conference standings, and that is likely where they will stay. Minnesota is three games behind the fifth spot and three games ahead of seventh.
With the postseason right around the corner, they are most worried about health. Anthony Edwards has recently been dealing with a knee injury that has cost him eight of his last 10 games. He has played in 60 games thus far this year.
With only four games left, that means Edwards is not eligible for postseason awards, as he will fall short of the 65-game requirement. The Timberwolves have made an announcement on his availability against the Pacers.
GettyMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards celebrates. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Timberwolves Without Anthony Edwards vs. Pacers
Minnesota has already ruled Edwards out against Indiana. He is listed as out with right knee injury management. The Pacers are a team that is tanking, so Minnesota likely doesn’t need Edwards in the lineup in order for them to come out with a win.
This year, Edwards is averaging almost 29 points per game, which is a career-high. In fact, his shooting percentage is also a career high, as he is hitting almost 49 percent of his shots. Defensively, he just under one block per game this year, also a career-high.
Despite putting up the best statistics of his career, he will not make an All-NBA team. He will be focused mainly on getting healthy for the playoffs. The Timberwolves have made the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons, and Edwards wants to help them make the final leap.
Without Edwards in the lineup, Minnesota has struggled. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games, and Edwards has only played in two of them. They have the fifth-best defense in the NBA this season, and Edwards contributes to that on the perimeter.
GettyMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards drives the ball. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
The Timberwolves Need Anthony Edwards Healthy
If the season were to end today, Minnesota would take on the Denver Nuggets. In order to beat them, they would need Edwards in the lineup and fully healthy. The Lakers sit just a half-game behind Denver, so Minnesota would love to face them instead.
Los Angeles is dealing with a multitude of injuries. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart are all hurt. That would be a less stressful opponent for the Timberwolves to take on, considering all of the injuries Los Angeles is dealing with.
Edwards is expected to be back for the postseason. Since Minnesota won’t be in the play-in, he will have an extra week to rest between the end of the regular season and the playoffs. That extra week of rest could be critical, as Minnesota plays a physical brand of basketball.
Against the Pacers, Minnesota shouldn’t struggle. Indiana is trying to lose out in order to lock up the worst record in the league, which gives them the best odds at keeping a top-four pick.
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