Wolves Look to Overcome Edwards' Absence vs. Jazz

Minnesota seeks team effort to defeat Utah without star guard

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Timberwolves will try to earn back-to-back wins without star guard Anthony Edwards, who is sidelined with right knee inflammation. Minnesota is coming off a 116-104 home victory over the Phoenix Suns, and they will now host the struggling Utah Jazz. The Timberwolves have emphasized a team-wide effort to replace Edwards' production, with players like Julius Randle and Ayo Dosunmu expected to step up. The Jazz have also dealt with injuries to key players like Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic, forcing their young roster to take on larger roles.

Why it matters

This game is an important test for the Timberwolves, who are trying to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race without their leading scorer in Edwards. Minnesota has already defeated Utah twice this season, but the Jazz are desperate for a win as they try to snap out of their recent slump. How the Timberwolves' supporting cast performs in Edwards' absence could be a preview of how they'll fare in the postseason if he's limited due to injury.

The details

The Timberwolves are coming off a strong performance against the Suns, with Randle scoring 32 points and Dosunmu adding 19 in his first start in place of Edwards. Minnesota coach Chris Finch has emphasized the need for a team-wide effort to make up for Edwards' absence, rather than relying on one player. The Jazz, meanwhile, have struggled lately, losing 11 of their last 13 games. However, they've gotten contributions from young players like Cody Williams, Brice Sensabaugh, Isaiah Collier, Elijah Harkless and Andersson Garcia as they deal with injuries to key players.

  • The Timberwolves and Jazz will tip off on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • Edwards was diagnosed with right knee inflammation and will be re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks.

The players

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' leading scorer who is sidelined with right knee inflammation.

Julius Randle

The Timberwolves' veteran forward who is expected to take on a larger scoring role with Edwards out.

Ayo Dosunmu

The Timberwolves' guard who stepped into the starting lineup in Edwards' absence and scored 19 points against the Suns.

Cody Williams

A Jazz player who scored a career-high 34 points in their recent loss to the Kings.

Will Hardy

The Jazz's head coach, who emphasized the opportunity for young players to establish their reputations with increased playing time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“(We've) just got to be aggressive -- all of us. Not trying to force stuff, but just coming in and being aggressive, playing our way. I don't think we're going to play any different because Ant's not playing.”

— Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves forward

“This is their opportunity to really put together their reputation. All young players need opportunity. Most young players get a little bit of opportunity, and it can be a little bit spread out.”

— Will Hardy, Jazz head coach

“I think it's me playing at my pace, getting into my flow, getting to my spots. I don't think anybody can really stop me if I'm getting to my spots.”

— Julius Randle, Timberwolves forward

What’s next

The judge in Edwards' case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to return to play sooner than the 1-2 week timeline.

The takeaway

This game showcases the Timberwolves' depth and ability to adapt without their star player, as well as the Jazz's resilience in the face of key injuries. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference.