Anthony Edwards set for shock Game 1 return vs. Spurs after rapid injury recovery

The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to get a major boost right at the start of their second-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, with Anthony Edwards now expected to return in Game 1 after a remarkably quick recovery from a left knee injury.

Minnesota enters the series after advancing past the Denver Nuggets in six games, showing impressive depth and defensive structure even without their star guard. The Spurs, meanwhile, punched their ticket to Round 2 by eliminating the Portland Trail Blazers in a physical, grind-heavy series that leaned on a balanced scoring approach and strong perimeter defense to close things out.

Now, the matchup between two young Western Conference contenders is suddenly shifting shape before a ball is even tipped.

Edwards clears medical hurdle ahead of Game 1

According to Shams Charania, Edwards is now expected to play in Game 1 against San Antonio barring any setback during his pregame routine. The update marks a significant turn in his recovery timeline, just nine days after suffering a left knee injury that initially raised fears he could miss multiple games in the series.

Edwards had been diagnosed with a bone bruise and knee hyperextension after going down during Minnesota’s postseason run, and early expectations from the Timberwolves’ medical staff suggested a more cautious, midseries return.

However, after participating in shootaround and continuing to ramp up his on-court activity over the weekend, Edwards has now been medically cleared and will go through final pregame testing before receiving full sign-off to play.

From uncertainty to urgency for Minnesota

The turnaround is notable given how recently Edwards was considered week-to-week. He had already been ruled out for at least the opening portion of the Spurs series, with Game 3 or Game 4 initially viewed as the earliest possible return window. His presence at shootaround this morning, however, was the first clear signal that Minnesota’s internal optimism was growing.

Edwards’ impact prior to the injury highlights why the Timberwolves were cautious. During the first round against Denver, he delivered key scoring bursts, including a 30-point performance in Game 2 that helped set the tone for Minnesota’s series win.

Even in limited postseason action, he averaged 18.5 points per game while providing the kind of explosive shot creation that the Wolves heavily rely on in half-court possessions.

What Edwards’ return means for Spurs vs. Timberwolves

With Edwards now trending toward availability, the dynamic of Game 1 changes immediately. San Antonio had prepared for a version of Minnesota built around defensive structure, frontcourt physicality, and secondary scoring. Instead, they may now be facing a Timberwolves team with its primary offensive engine back in the lineup from the opening tip.

Tipoff for Game 1 is set for Monday night in San Antonio, where the Spurs host Minnesota to open the series before Game 2 later in the week.

Even with Edwards’ status still requiring final pregame confirmation, all signs point to the Timberwolves star being on the floor when the Western Conference semifinals begin.

Spurs vs. Timberwolves: Round 2 schedule

Here’s the full schedule for the series (all times Eastern):

• Game 1: Monday, May 4 - 9:30 p.m. in San Antonio (Peacock/NBCSN)
• Game 2: Wednesday, May 6 - 9:30 p.m. in San Antonio (ESPN)
• Game 3: Friday, May 8 - 9:30 p.m. in Minnesota (Prime)
• Game 4: Sunday, May 10 - 7:30 p.m. in Minnesota (NBC/Peacock)
• *Game 5: Tuesday, May 12 - TBD (San Antonio)
• *Game 6: Thursday, May 14 - TBD (Minnesota)
• *Game 7: Sunday, May 17 - TBD (San Antonio)

*If necessary

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