Anthony Edwards likely to return against Mavericks as timing couldn't be better

The Minnesota Timberwolves star's comeback could secure his All-NBA eligibility.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:50pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in mid-jump shot, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, forest green, and burnt orange, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a star player's crucial return to the court, as he fights to maintain his All-NBA eligibility.Oklahoma City Today

Anthony Edwards is reportedly targeting a return to the Minnesota Timberwolves lineup on Monday, March 30, against the Dallas Mavericks. Edwards has been sidelined since March 15 with right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, but his expected comeback comes at a crucial time as he needs to play in at least 65 games to qualify for All-NBA honors.

Why it matters

Edwards' return is significant not only for the Timberwolves' playoff push, but also for his individual accolades. The 24-year-old has been Minnesota's standout performer this season, leading the team in scoring and three-pointers made. Making the All-NBA team would be a major milestone in his career, but he must play in every remaining game to reach the 65-game eligibility threshold.

The details

Edwards has missed six straight games due to his right knee injury, though the Timberwolves have managed to win four of those contests without him. His comeback against the Mavericks on March 30 is crucial, as Minnesota have eight games left in the regular season and Edwards must play in all of them to qualify for All-NBA recognition.

  • Edwards suffered the right knee injury on March 15.
  • He has missed six straight games since then.
  • Edwards is targeting a return on March 30 against the Dallas Mavericks.
  • The Timberwolves have eight games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A 24-year-old star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is leading the team in scoring and three-pointers made this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA team that Anthony Edwards plays for, currently making a playoff push in the Western Conference.

Dallas Mavericks

The opponent the Timberwolves will be facing when Anthony Edwards is expected to return on March 30.

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What they’re saying

“Anthony Edwards' expected return could carry significance far beyond the Timberwolves' push to close the season.”

— Filipe Guedes, Author

What’s next

If Edwards is able to return against the Mavericks on March 30 and play in the Timberwolves' remaining eight games, he will meet the 65-game eligibility threshold to be considered for the All-NBA team.

The takeaway

Anthony Edwards' comeback from a right knee injury comes at a critical juncture, as it will determine whether he qualifies for prestigious All-NBA honors this season. The Timberwolves' young star has been having a breakout campaign, and making an All-NBA team would be a major milestone in his career.