Anthony Edwards Cleared for Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 1

Minnesota star returns from right knee injury maintenance for playoff opener

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:42pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The high-stakes playoff matchup between the Timberwolves and Nuggets is rendered in a dynamic, cubist style that captures the intensity and unpredictability of the postseason clash.Denver Today

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been cleared to play in Saturday's Game 1 playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Edwards missed 11 of the Timberwolves' final 14 regular-season games due to right knee injury maintenance, raising concerns about his availability for the postseason. However, he participated in pregame warmups and was announced as available to play in the series opener.

Why it matters

Edwards is the Timberwolves' leading scorer and a key part of their playoff push. His return provides a major boost for Minnesota as they take on the third-seeded Nuggets in the first round. Edwards' health and availability will be crucial to the Timberwolves' chances of advancing in the Western Conference playoffs.

The details

Though Edwards was limited to 61 games this season due to various injuries, his right knee has been the most problematic, requiring regular absences for maintenance toward the end of the regular season. As a result, he is not eligible for any 2026 season awards, though he has filed a challenge to the NBA's 65-game requirement for awards consideration. In three games against Denver this season, Edwards averaged 30.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5 assists.

  • Edwards missed 11 of Minnesota's final 14 regular-season games.
  • Game 1 of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series is on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A 24-year-old guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who averaged a career-high 28.8 points per game this season.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Denver Nuggets

The third-seeded team in the Western Conference playoffs, facing the sixth-seeded Timberwolves in the first round.

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What they’re saying

“Though the team was likely holding him out to recuperate for the playoffs, Edwards' absence was a matter of concern.”

— Jason Owens, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Edwards' return from injury is a major boost for the Timberwolves as they look to upset the higher-seeded Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. His health and availability will be crucial to Minnesota's chances of advancing, though his recent injury history raises concerns about his long-term durability.