Timberwolves avoid the worst-case scenario with Anthony Edwards injury update

Anthony Edwards left Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers with a hamstring injury. After head coach Chris Finch didn't provide an update on Edwards, concern began to mount for the Minnesota Timberwolves. On Monday, it was announced that Edwards will be sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring strain. During these next two weeks, the Wolves will have eight games.

On one hand, Edwards and the Wolves avoided the worst-case scenario, as hamstring injuries can be a longer-term injury. The two-week timeline falls under the mild or moderate category. At the same time, playing without Edwards will be a significant challenge for the Wolves. After the original report from Shams Charania, the Wolves said Edwards will be re-evaluated in one week.

Jon Krawczynski confirmed this two-week timeline but noted that soft tissue injuries can be tricky. While this initial report indicates Edwards' injury is too serious, this situation is worth monitoring.

The Timberwolves have a path to navigating Edwards' injury

Their first big test will come on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets, who are, of course, one of the best teams in the conference. Ultimately, how the Wolves will navigate this time without Ant will tell us a lot about the team. Minnesota did pull off a 114-110 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Luckily, the Wolves' schedule is far from grueling over the next two weeks. As mentioned earlier, the Nuggets will be a massive test. However, after that, the New York Knicks will be the only other elite squad they will be playing during this stretch.

Other than these two teams, Minnesota plays the Los Angeles Lakers (without Luka Dončić and LeBron James), the Charlotte Hornets, the Brooklyn Nets, the Sacramento Kings, and the Utah Jazz (twice). Nevertheless, the Wolves can't downplay their competition, and these matchups will be far more challenging without their superstar. The Wolves can't afford to fall behind early in a loaded Western Conference.

Edwards has been remarkably durable throughout his young career. Notably, he has played in 384 out of a possible 403 games. The 24-year-old has never missed more than 10 games in a season. Missing eight games right off the bat puts this number in jeopardy. Regardless, Edwards' long-term health is, of course, the priority.

While Edwards is sidelined, I expect the Wolves to continue to empower Julius Randle as an offensive hub. Minnesota ran nearly everything through Randle during Sunday's game. Randle is capable of providing first-option level production while Edwards recovers.

The Wolves also still have a formidable defensive unit led by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. Additionally, McDaniels' growing offensive game will be something to watch during Edwards' absence. Young players, including Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham, should all see bigger roles as well.

Overall, it will be a team effort for the Wolves as they try to fill the immense void left behind by Edwards.