UPDATE: Edwards is starting.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Pacers tomorrow in Indiana but could be without their biggest star. Anthony Edwards has been added to the injury report with a right thumb laceration and is listed as questionable for the matchup. Outside of the G-League assignments and two-way players, the rest of the injury report is clear for Minnesota.
Edwards has suited up for 69 of a possible 72 games so far this season and is the heart of the team’s production. The former number-one overall pick is averaging 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game across his 36.3 minutes of action. He also is shooting a career-best 40.0% from beyond the three-point arc while launching a career-high 10.1 three-point attempts per game.
If Edwards is unable to play, it would be a significant shot to the Timberwolves’ chances. Expect Julius Randle to take on a more prominent offensive role as he is on an impressive streak of strong play. Since returning from his injury absence at the start of March, the Timberwolves are 9-2 with Randle averaging 18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game during this stretch.
In addition, players like Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels will have more on-ball responsibility. Also, don’t be shocked if an expanded role is unveiled for some of the younger guards on the roster such as Terrance Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham. Both rookies have shown some impressive flashes this season in their limited opportunities.
On the bright side this does not seem to be a long-term issue that Edwards is dealing with. His status will surely make an impact on where the line is set for this game and keep an eye on the injury report as tip-off gets closer.
