Ailing Anthony Edwards struggles in Timberwolves loss to 76ers

Anthony Edwards came back from a knee injury Monday and looked like he hadn't skipped a beat after missing two weeks with a knee injury. Then an illness derailed him as the Minnesota Timberwolves are scrambling for playoff seeding.

The Wolves' All-Star scored only eight points in Minnesota's 115-103 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, shooting 3-for-15 from the floor and missing all seven of his three-point attempts. Edwards played through an illness that kept him out of Thursday's loss to the Detroit Pistons but struggled greatly.

Anthony Edwards is crucial in chaotic playoff picture

The Timberwolves have lost three out of four games, sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference with five games to play. They get to face the tanking Indiana Pacers and the New Orleans Pelicans, who are simply terrible despite trying. However, they have to play three playoff teams in that stretch as well.

Edwards is the team's key player in that stretch, especially with defensive stopper Jaden McDaniels considered week-to-week with his own knee injury. The Wolves missed McDaniels Friday, as Paul George and Kelly Oubre combined for 44 points. Still, the Timberwolves have the NBA's No. 5 defense — it's the offensive end of the floor that's more tenuous.

Naz Reid's offense has declined, with his shooting getting worse and his turnovers increasing. Donte DiVincenzo isn't getting to the rim as successfully. Julius Randle has upped his scoring but his three-point percentage has dropped to 31.4.

But with Luka Doncic out for the regular season and beyond, the middle of the Western Conference is wide open. The Timberwolves may draw the injured Los Angeles Lakers or the Denver Nuggets, both of whom they've defeated in the playoffs before.

Anthony Edwards' health is crucial in many ways

Edwards' primary concern is shedding his current illness, but his knee is more of a long-term concern. Especially due to Edwards' physical style, the health of his joints may be the most important factor in the Timberwolves' playoff future.

Don't be surprised if Edwards sits out the game against the Pacers, on the front end of a back-to-back. They should be confident about most teams they'd face who could get the third seed — as long as they can be confident about their star's health.