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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 05: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 05, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face off against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, March 28, on ABC in a key game between two of the best teams in the NBA.
Before the matchup, the Timberwolves announced their starting lineup, one that notably does not feature a few of their key players.
Specifically, with the latest Anthony Edwards update, as well as a few others on Minnesota’s injury report, head coach Chris Finch was forced to go with a starting lineup he and the staff have rarely used this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup Vs Detroit Pistons
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Detroit Pistons starting lineup injury report
GettyMinnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. dribbles the ball. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
In the lead-up to the nationally televised game, the Timberwolves announced their starting lineup against the Pistons.
Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert were all named as starters for Saturday.
Conley, who was traded and then reacquired in February, hasn’t been a steady contributor for the Timberwolves this season, rather making an impact with his veteran presence and teaching Minnesota’s young players.
However, since Edwards has been dealing with a knee injury, he’s had a bigger role in the lineup. Still, when he was taken out of the rotation, Finch said it was one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do.
Dane Moore
Asked Chris Finch what it’s been like removing Mike Conley from the rotation.
“It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in coaching, to be honest with you… Particularly with who he is as a person and a professional, and everything that he’s done for us. Feels like a
“It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in coaching, to be honest with you,” the coach said. “Particularly with who he is as a person and a professional, and everything that he’s done for us. Feels like a crime against humanity.”
DiVincenzo, Randle, and Gobert have all been constant starters for Minnesota all season. The addition of Shannon in the lineup comes as a bit of a surprise, as the 25-year-old has yet to start a game this year.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report, Anthony Edwards Update
Anthony Edwards injury update, Minnesota Timberwolves vs Detroit Pistons injury report and starting lineup
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 31: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 31, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Edwards is perhaps the most notable name on the Timberwolves’ injury report Saturday against the Pistons.
He has been out for 11 days with right knee inflammation, and still doesn’t have a direct injury return date yet.
There were rumblings a few days ago that he could potentially return for this contest, but the next available game he could get back on the court for Minnesota would be on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks.
Shams Charania
Joining ESPN NBA Countdown for All-Star injury updates on Detroit’s Cade Cunningham and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Edwards was participating in individual workouts, but has yet to be cleared, as he remains on the injury report over the weekend.
Both Ayo Dosunmu and Jaden McDaniels have also been ruled out against Detroit.
Dosunmu has been dealing with a calf injury that Krawczynski described as ‘concerning.‘ He was originally listed as questionable after practicing with the team, but was later ruled out.
As for McDaniels, he left Minnesota’s overtime thriller against the Houston Rockets with cramps. While he did say he planned to suit up for Saturday, like Dosunmu, he was questionable, then ruled out, and officially missed the game with a knee injury.
UPDATED Minnesota @Timberwolves Status Report in advance of today’s game vs. Detroit Pistons:
OUTDosunmu- Right Calf SorenessEdwards- Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeMcDaniels- Right Knee SorenessFreeman- Two-WayPullin- Two-WayZikarsky- Two-Way https://t.co/ZlMRg3mnV1
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) March 28, 2026
As for the Pistons, they previously had several big names on their injury report, but all but one has been upgraded to available against the Timberwolves. Cade Cunningham remains out with a collapsed lung, but the team is hopeful he will return before the postseason begins.
Minnesota is 45-28, currently fifth in the West but attempting to win as many of their last nine regular-season games as possible to jump the Denver Nuggets and secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.