Anthony Edwards Injury Update, Minnesota Timberwolves injury report vs Detroit Pistons
Getty
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 22: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 22, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has taken a significant step forward in his recovery, but his return to game action will have to wait.
Edwards has been cleared for on-court basketball activities, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, who reported the update on X. Despite the progress, the Timberwolves announced that Edwards will remain out for Saturday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
The update marks the latest step in Edwards’ recovery timeline after he was previously considered day-to-day and trending toward a return.
Clear Progress but No Immediate Return
Being cleared for on-court work signals that Edwards has moved beyond the initial recovery phase of his injury.
The designation typically includes controlled basketball activities such as shooting, movement drills and light conditioning — a key milestone toward full clearance.
Still, Minnesota’s decision to hold him out reflects a cautious approach.
With the postseason approaching and the Western Conference standings tightly packed, the Timberwolves are prioritizing long-term availability over rushing their franchise player back.
Timberwolves Gaining Momentum Without Edwards
Even without Edwards, Minnesota has continued to find ways to win.
The Timberwolves have gone 4-1 since Edwards’ latest injury, continuing to surge despite missing their leading scorer during a critical stretch of the season.
They are also coming off a historic overtime comeback victory over the Houston Rockets, overcoming a 13-point deficit in overtime to secure a 110-108 win.
No NBA team had previously erased a deficit that large in overtime since the league began tracking play-by-play data in the 1997-98 season.
Minnesota closed the game on a 15-0 run despite being short-handed, missing five of its top seven players for much of the contest.
Playoff Positioning Tightens
The victory kept Minnesota firmly in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Timberwolves (45-28) sit half a game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 4 seed and two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 spot.
They also created separation from Houston in the standings, reinforcing the importance of every game down the stretch.
That context adds weight to Edwards’ recovery timeline, as Minnesota balances urgency with caution.
Timberwolves Supporting Cast Steps Up
Minnesota’s ability to win without Edwards has been driven by contributions across the roster.
Julius Randle led the comeback effort with 24 points, all scored after halftime, while key plays from multiple contributors fueled the late rally.
The Timberwolves overcame a series of setbacks during the game, including foul trouble, injuries and an overtime deficit, while continuing to compete possession by possession.
“We’ve got real competitors in here,” Randle said. “When it gets tough, we come together as a group.”
Edwards’ Importance Remains Clear
Despite the recent success, Edwards’ absence continues to impact Minnesota’s offensive ceiling.
The All-Star guard is averaging 29.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season while shooting over 40 percent from three-point range.
His ability to create offense and control late-game situations remains central to the Timberwolves’ championship aspirations.
What Comes Next
While being cleared for on-court activities is an encouraging sign, Edwards must still progress through additional phases before returning to game action.
That process could include increased practice intensity and potential scrimmage participation, depending on how his knee responds.
For now, Minnesota continues to balance momentum with patience.
The latest update suggests Edwards is nearing a return, but the Timberwolves appear determined to ensure he is fully ready before stepping back onto the court.