Early in the 2026-27 season, Anthony Edwards feels invincible. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard is averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists over his first four games. But his most impressive performance may have come when he dropped 47 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in Monday’s 127-125 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Edwards’ play is on par with some of the top stars in the league, but it was even more notable considering he was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report with a knee injury hours before tipoff. The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski also added that Edwards wasn’t cleared for Monday’s game until after warmups, but also warned it could be a long-term issue that could be a chink in his armor.
“The burst clearly isn’t quite there for Anthony Edwards,” Krawzcynski wrote. “He is grimacing regularly in these early season games…and the limp his is walking with on occasion isn’t from his usual Atlanta swagger. …The Wolves are also in the middle of five games in seven days. …The Wolves will see how his body responds when they return to Minnesota, but it is conceivable that a night off is coming.”
Anthony Edwards’ knee issues aren’t going away despite Timberwolves’ dismissal
Edwards’ knee is the one thing that may slow him down. The 25-year-old has been on a heater since last season ended, talking trash to anyone who would listen and taking on an increased leadership role. He also helped book a team trip to Paris to boost camaraderie and played a key role in recruiting Jonathan Kuminga in free agency to help address the Wolves’ hole at power forward.
But as this season begins, his right knee is a lingering concern. Edwards battled inflammation in his right knee throughout last season and hyperextended his left knee during last year’s playoffs. While he was able to play in the second round against the San Antonio Spurs, Krawczynski wrote that both knees required “around-the-clock treatment,” and his right knee was drained multiple times to stay available.
Instead of getting surgery, Edwards rested for roughly two months before getting back in the gym. While he was in good shape going into training camp, he was also looking to find his rhythm. That process didn’t take long as Edwards looked good in the preseason, dropped 45 points in the season-opening win over the Miami Heat on Oct. 21, and had an explosive highlight, splitting a double team in Sunday’s home opener against the Toronto Raptors.
But Edwards also grabbed his right knee multiple times during the 117-94 victory, which landed him on the injury report.
Playing the back end of a back-to-back against an Eastern Conference contender, Edwards played brilliantly through the soreness. It also led Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch to declare the injury was not a “long-term” issue, but there’s still a good chance it could impact him as he goes through the season.
Still, if the problem persists, Edwards could miss time. Of course, being without their best player would hurt the Wolves.
Timberwolves must manage Anthony Edwards’ knee throughout the season
In the short term, this could mean that Edwards could use a night off. The Timberwolves’ early schedule isn’t doing him any favors as the Wolves continue a stretch of five games in seven nights, including Wednesday’s home game against the Golden State Warriors, another back-to-back with the Emirates NBA Cup opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, and a trip to visit the Spurs on Saturday.
While it is unknown which game Edwards could sit out, it seems like one is coming and there’s also a complicated balance as he pursues a Supermax contract.
If Edwards makes an All-NBA team or wins a major individual award, he could be eligible for a four-year, $345 million contract extension next summer. But he also has to reach the 65-game minimum, which could make things complicated if his knee keeps barking.
Of course, Edwards has made a habit of playing through pain, and the Wolves downplaying the injury after Monday’s game is a good sign. But having these concerns pop up after four games is something for fans to keep an eye on, and it could make Edwards mortal despite his hot start to the season. And in the end, this could hurt the Timberwolves.
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