Timberwolves Make Anthony Edwards Decision Ahead of Game 1 Against Spurs
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is available to play in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Initially, Edwards was expected to miss at least two games of the Western Conference semifinals. He did not play in Game 6 of the Timberwolves' first-round series against the Denver Nuggetsdue to a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise.
Fortunately for the Timberwolves, Edwards was upgraded to available ahead of his third consecutive semifinal appearance. According to reports on Monday, the star guard worked hard to expedite his recovery to be available for his team. However, the team confirmed that he will play limited minutes in Game 1.
Anthony Edwards Will Come Off the Bench for Game 1
The Timberwolves announced their starting lineup against the Spurs, and Edwards will come off the bench. The team will start the game with Mike Conley, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert.
Anthony Edwards (on a minutes restriction) is coming off the bench in Game 1. The Timberwolves are starting Mike Conley, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 5, 2026
This will be the third time in Edwards' career that he will come off the bench since his rookie year. The first time was in 2024, and the second happened in 2026.
On Sunday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Timberwolves star will miss some time.
"He is also expected to be out to start the second round series against San Antonio," Charania said. "So he will be missing Game 1, like Game 2 as well. But he did get his first workouts in on Saturday and Sunday after missing about a week now with that hyperextension bone bruise in his knee."
Reporting on ABC Inside the NBA Tip-Off Show -- new updates on Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic, Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and the Denver Nuggets' future: pic.twitter.com/MPjLnQoPUq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2026
Charania initially reported that Edwards will return to the lineup in Games 3 and 4. However, his recovery had a positive trend on Monday. The ESPN reporter said that the four-time All-Star has received medical clearance to play in Game 1.
"Anthony Edwards has received medical clearance and is expected to play tonight in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs," Charania reported on NBA Today. "Barring any setback in his pregame warmups. He's been pushing and really planning on trying to give this a go in Game 1 tonight. He's made unforeseen progress in the last 24 hours."
"Just nine days after suffering that bone bruise in his left knee and the team believing that at the earlier, he would be back Game 3 or 4. He pushed and really wanted to go tonight. I'm told he did multiple treatment options, including the hyperbaric chamber to see if he can get back."
This will be the third time the Timberwolves will face the Spurs in the playoffs and the first time in the conference semifinals.
Related: Anthony Edwards Update: Timberwolves Make Unexpected Announcement for Game 1
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 9:34 PM.