Anthony Edwards
Getty
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is having another great season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves shared some concerning news regarding Anthony Edwards ahead of their game against the Houston Rockets on Friday. Edwards didn’t suit up for the Timberwolves in their previous game versus the Milwaukee Bucks due to a foot injury.
According to Minnesota’s official injury report, Edwards has been ruled out because of right foot injury maintenance and will miss his second straight game. He’s also set to sit out his ninth game of the campaign, which means he’s still eligible to win NBA awards.
Edwards is having an MVP-like season, averaging 28.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He’s shooting 50.0% from the field, 40.9% from 3-point range and 78.7% from the free-throw line.
In his absence against the Bucks, Julius Randle led the way with 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Bones Hyland was scorching hot off the bench, finishing with 23 points and five assists, as the Timberwolves earned an easy 139-106 win.
However, it’s not going to be easy against the Rockets, a team that has Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. The Timberwolves will have more energy since Houston is playing the second game of a back-to-back.
Edwards Missed 3 Games With Foot Soreness in December
This foot injury is not new for Anthony Edwards, who missed three games because of right foot soreness from December 12 to 17. Edwards also dealt with an early-season right hamstring strain from October 27 to November 3, missing four consecutive games.
It’s unclear if the two injuries are connected, but the Timberwolves are being cautious with their best player. They felt comfortable sitting him out again after the team’s performance against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum.
The Timberwolves have a 5-3 record without Edwards this season. They are also in the middle of a four-game road trip, with the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz also on their itinerary following the game versus the Houston Rockets.
Edwards doesn’t have a history of foot issues in previous seasons. He did deal with a minor hip injury in the past two years, as per Fox Sports.
Austin Rivers Thinks Edwards is Playing Under The Radar
Despite leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, Austin Rivers believes that Anthony Edwards is not being talked about enough this season. Edwards is having a career season, but he has been playing “under the radar.”
“I feel like he’s a little bit under the radar. It’s tough because when guys have been great for so long, sometimes you don’t see the marginal growth. People always want a big splash and a jump,” Rivers said on NBA on NBC.
The Timberwolves had a slow start to the season, particularly in the first two months of the campaign. They were outshone by teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.
But entering Friday’s game in Houston, the Timberwolves are fourth in the West standings at 27-14 and are just a game behind the No. 2 spot. They have won two in a row and seven of their last 10 games.