Even as they dealt with a plethora of injuries, the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied past Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Now, another generational big man awaits in the second round.
On Monday night, the Timberwolves will be in San Antonio for Game 1 of a second-round matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. But health is a major concern for Minnesota heading into the series — including the status of the squad’s superstar.
Anthony Edwards missed the end of Round 1 with his knee injury. Now, his status for Round 2 remains up in the air. But with news suggesting on Sunday that Edwards could make his return at some point soon, will he be able to get on the floor for Game 1 against the Spurs?
Here’s the latest on Edwards’ status for the first Timberwolves-Spurs matchup.
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Is Anthony Edwards playing in Game 1 vs. Spurs?
Edwards is expected to play in Game 1 against the Spurs barring any pregame setbacks, per Shams Charania.
His likely return comes as a surprise compared to just days ago — the Timberwolves designated Edwards as questionable for Game 1 in their injury report on Sunday, signaling a return was possible.
Edwards is not doubtful. He’s questionable. That tells you he has every intention of playing. Tomorrow at shootaround likely will be a big test
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 3, 2026
On Monday, Edwards was a “significant participant” in shootaround, aiming to return for Game 1 if he could be cleared by Minnesota’s medical team, per Shams Charania.
The star guard, who has been out since Apr. 25 with his knee injury, had originally been considered to be on more of a week-to-week basis — ESPN initially reported on Sunday that Edwards was targeting a Game 3 or 4 return against San Antonio. But based on Minnesota’s Game 1 injury report and Edwards’ push to play, there became a real chance he was able to suit up for the series-opener.
Chris Finch with injury updates on Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu
“I mean Ant’s still week to week so I haven’t had any update on that so I really don’t know, obviously nothing out of the gate with him, and Ayo is more day to day… he(Ayo) went through things but just the… pic.twitter.com/AKDKxPWulx
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) May 2, 2026
Per ESPN, Edwards went through “light on-court work” over the weekend, then traveled with the team to San Antonio and was officially cleared for basketball activities ahead of the team’s Monday morning shootaround. While there was reported “optimism” for Edwards’ eventual return in the series, the Timberwolves have also remained “cautious.”
Minnesota has already proved it’s capable of winning without Edwards — the Timberwolves closed out their series vs. Denver without him — but they’re undoubtedly a better team with him on the floor.
Now, barring a pregame setback, he’s set to make an earlier return than anticipated for Game 1.
What is Anthony Edwards’ injury?
Edwards has been dealing with a bone bruise from a hyperextended left knee suffered in Game 4 against the Nuggets on Apr. 25. The injury came on a block attempt.
Game 1 against the Spurs marks nine days following the hyperextension.
Anthony Edwards was helped to the locker room after an apparent knee injury. pic.twitter.com/rMAHGMK1ie
— ESPN (@espn) April 26, 2026
Spurs vs. Timberwolves Game 1 start time
San Antonio vs. Minnesota is the later tip-off of a two-game playoff slate on Monday.
The Western Conference squads will open their second-round matchup at 9:30 p.m. ET.