After hyperextending his knee during the second quarter of Game 4, Anthony Edwards was officially diagnosed with a bone bruise, an injury that Shams Charania said is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks. The "multiple weeks" timeline left some uncertainty as to when he would be in the playoffs, if at all. However, on Monday, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch delivered a positive update that indicates Edwards could return sooner than expected.Â
"We do know that if we keep extending this playoff series, he is going to come back. And he generally comes back ahead of the timeline," Finch said during a radio appearance on KFAN1003.Â
In addition to Finch's comments, the Timberwolves labeled Edwards' injury as "week-to-week," which is slightly different language from Charania saying that he is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Now, people could be confused by the "extending this playoff series" piece of the quote. My read isn't that Finch is saying Ant will return if their first-round series goes six or seven games, but rather if the Wolves advance in the playoffs, we will see Ant return at some point.Â
With the Wolves up 3-1 against the Denver Nuggets, and their defense being central to their success, there's a strong chance that they'll close out the series. Thus, considering Finch's comments, it's possible that Edwards would return for the second-round.
Finch's comments should make fans optimistic about Edwards returning
After the initial diagnosis, I was skeptical that Edwards would return unless it was for a possible conference finals series. This skepticism was largely based on sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer saying that he doesn't expect Ant to return until the last couple of games of the conference finals. Nevertheless, Finch's optimism changes the equation, and it could set the stage for a possible return.Â
As Finch noted, Edwards often recovers quickly. Earlier this season, for instance, he missed just four games with a hamstring injury when most people expected it to be a more substantial injury.
Will Edwards' second knee injury in just over a month be too much to overcome, though? It's certainly possible.
Additionally, Edwards' long-term health must be factored in when considering his possible return. However, if the medical staff gives him the green light and he feels ready to go, then by all means, he should return to the court.
We know that Ant is a fierce competitor who will try to return at all costs, and Finch's comments make a return seem likely if the Wolves can close out the series against the Nuggets.Â
Ant's superhuman recovery speed will surely benefit him in this process, and it's possible, perhaps even likely, that we see a return at some point this postseason.
It's fair to have some concerns about Ant returning. Regardless, everyone would love to see No. 5 back on the court, and from there, who knows, maybe the Wolves would go on a magical run.Â
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