Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was ruled out for Tuesday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks due to right foot injury maintenance, the team announced Monday.
Minnesota played three games in four nights over the weekend, prompting the decision to give Edwards additional rest before the Timberwolves return to action Friday night. The All-NBA candidate has dealt with multiple minor ailments this season, including a hamstring issue earlier in the year and a foot-related absence that sidelined him for three games in mid-December.
According to Jon Krawczynski, the current designation stems from lingering effects of a toe infection that caused Edwards to miss time last month. Despite that, the star guard suited up Sunday and delivered in a big way, scoring 23 points and hitting the game-winning shot in a 104-103 home win over the San Antonio Spurs, outdueling Victor Wembanyama down the stretch.
Minnesota will also be without Rudy Gobert, who is serving a league suspension due to accumulated flagrant foul points. Terrance Shannon Jr. will also miss this game with a foot injury who has missed the last eight games with a left foot strain.
Even with Tuesday's absence, Edwards has missed just seven games this season. He is averaging 28.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three. His expanded on-ball role despite underwhelming and inconsistent play from veteran point guard Mike Conley and second-year guard Rob Dillingham, has helped Minnesota climb to fourth in the Western Conference.
Nonetheless, the Timberwolves look to stand firm in a strong Western Conference, sitting a just a half game behind the Denver Nuggets and a game behind the Spurs for the No.2 seed.
The Timberwolves are 4-3 in games Edwards has missed this season. From an awards standpoint, Tuesday's rest keeps him well within range of the NBA's 65-game minimum for All-NBA consideration, leaving him with nine remaining allowable absences after sitting out against Milwaukee.
Newsweek