Thursday’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena will see the Minnesota Timberwolves facing the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Timberwolves’ availability may be impacted, as Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report due to right calf soreness.
Anthony Edward Questionable With Calf Injury Vs. Los Angeles Lakers
During the Timberwolves’ comeback victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, Anthony Edwards sustained a calf tweak. Despite this, he returned to the court late in the game and delivered a crucial game-winning block against MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the final possession of overtime. Following the game, the Timberwolves star made it clear that he had made the pivotal play while experiencing discomfort, exclaiming “With a bad calf!” as he walked gingerly toward the locker room.R
In the Timberwolves’ victory, Edwards contributed 17 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, and a game-winning block, despite shooting 5-of-15. His questionable status for Thursday’s game against the Lakers suggests the team is managing his calf injury, though he remains a potential participant.
Since the All-Star break, Edwards has averaged 27.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists with shooting splits of 38/27/73. During this period, the Timberwolves have a 1-2 record, suffering losses to the Houston Rockets and the Thunder before their recent victory over Oklahoma City. Chris Finch’s team is focused on securing a spot outside the Western Conference play-in tournament. Following Monday’s win, Minnesota is just half a game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for sixth place.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently one of the NBA’s most dominant teams, having won 15 of their last 19 games. During this stretch, JJ Redick’s squad has ranked eighth in offensive rating, first in defensive rating, and third in net rating.
Adding to the Timberwolves’ injury concerns, Donte DiVincenzo is listed as questionable for Monday’s game due to a left great toe sprain, an injury that has kept him sidelined since January 15th. Furthermore, Rudy Gobert will be out for maintenance of a lower back injury, and Julius Randle is also out with a right groin strain.