Anthony Edwards made his much-anticipated return to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This match was particularly significant, as the Thunder currently lead the NBA standings. Edwards had missed the previous three games due to a foot injury, marking his longest absence since the 2021-22 season.
Edwards’ Injury History
Throughout this season, Edwards has faced various injuries. Earlier, he was sidelined for four games because of a strained hamstring. His latest foot injury restricted him from playing, but his return was eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike.
Timberwolves’ Roster Challenges
Alongside Edwards, the Timberwolves also faced their own roster challenges. Backup point guard Mike Conley remained unavailable for a fourth consecutive game as he recovers from an Achilles issue. Additionally, reserve guard Jaylen Clark was out due to illness, which was a significant loss as he is considered the team’s best perimeter defender.
Thunder’s Lineup Status
The Oklahoma City Thunder also dealt with their share of injuries. Center Isaiah Hartenstein made his return after missing the previous game due to a foot injury. However, the team was still without forward Jaylin Williams, who missed his second game in a row due to a heel injury. Guard Aaron Wiggins was also ruled out with an adductor injury, affecting the Thunder’s bench depth.
Game Preview
The matchup between the Timberwolves and the Thunder was expected to be competitive. With Anthony Edwards back in action, the Timberwolves hoped to regain momentum against the NBA leaders.
- Anthony Edwards: Returned from a three-game absence
- Injuries: Conley (Achilles), Clark (illness), Williams (heel), Wiggins (adductor)
- 2021-22 Season Games Played: 72 games
This game was crucial for both teams, as they looked to solidify their standings in the league. Fans watched closely to see how Edwards would perform after his recovery.
