The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-3) are set to take on the New York Knicks (4-3) at the historic Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. This will always be a marquee matchup given the blockbuster Julius Randle-Karl-Anthony Towns trade. The two teams split the season series last year. However, Towns' status is up in the air due to illness.
The possible return of Anthony Edwards adds some extra excitement to the game. Let's dive into a full injury report for both teams.
11/5: Timberwolves full injury report vs. Knicks
- Rob Dillingham (face mask) - AVAILABLE
- Donte DiVincenzo (face mask) - AVAILABLE
- Anthony Edwards - (right hamstring strain) - QUESTIONABLE
- Terrence Shannon Jr. - (left foot soreness) - QUESTIONABLE
- Enrique Freeman - (Two-Way) - OUT
- Rocco Zikarsky - (Two-Way) - OUT
To nobody's surprise, Dillingham and DiVincenzo will remain available despite their nose injuries. Dillingham missed one game, while DiVincenzo didn't miss any time; both suffered broken noses.
The big story is, of course, Anthony Edwards' possible return. Edwards was originally expected to miss two weeks with a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, he returned to practice earlier this week and could be back just 10 days after suffering his injury. It's also worth noting that he went through a full shootaround this morning. Edwards' final status will likely be determined shortly before the game.
The Wolves have been 2-2 in Edwards' absence, with losses to the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Edwards would give the Wolves a huge scoring boost and another perimeter defender against an elite Knicks squad; his final status could swing the game.
OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are two of the best on-ball stoppers, so Edwards would have his hands full. Regardless of the matchup, he is an elite player who will surely rack up big numbers. If Edwards is sidelined again, expect the Wolves to lean on Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels, who have both averaged 20-plus points during Ant's absence.
Shannon was a late addition to the Wolves' injury report. His minutes have faltered as of late, averaging 13.8 minutes in the last three games, compared to 18.5 minutes in the first four games. Still, if Edwards doesn't play, expect TSJ to get some minutes. With or without Edwards, if Shannon doesn't play, expect Jaylen Clark to take on a bigger role.
11/5: Knicks full injury report vs. Timberwolves
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Towns is the lone player on the Knicks' injury report. The five-time All-Star has played in all seven games, but popped up on the injury report Wednesday morning. Undoubtedly, Wolves fans are hoping to see their former big man again, but this appears to be a game-time decision.
If Towns misses the game, the Wolves would have a big size advantage. Additionally, it would give the Knicks less offensive versatility and overall scoring.
Mitchell Robinson has played in just two games this season, but he is good to go ahead of Wednesday's game. Robinson's presence as a rim protector and rebounder will be a huge boost to the Knicks, especially in the event that Towns is out.