Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards facing lengthy layoff after knee injury

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards facing lengthy layoff after knee injury

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 27, 2026 7:47 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been dealt a devastating blow just four games into the season.

Anthony Edwards will miss up to two months of time

According to ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania, superstar Anthony Edwards is set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee that is expected to sideline him for up to two months.

Edwards appeared on the Minnesota injury report ahead of Monday's overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as ahead of Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors with what the team was calling "right knee injury management."

The injury is a massive blow for the Timberwolves, as Edwards was off to an outstanding start this season. Through four games, he's scored 45-plus points twice already and is averaging 33.3 points per game on 48.1% shooting from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Just in: Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his ailing right knee and miss up to two months, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/HenrAY2APs
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 27, 2026

Anthony Edwards will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his ailing right knee and miss up to two months, per @ShamsCharania.

He just dropped 47. pic.twitter.com/wROUG8VE2h
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) October 27, 2026

It's time for the LaMelo Ball trade to pay dividends

With the injury to Edwards, it will be LaMelo Ball who becomes the primary scoring option. Ball was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in an offseason trade and he has yet to show his offensive capabilities.

In four games, he's struggled to score, averaging just 14.8 points per game on 42.9% shooting from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. Ball scored 21 points in the Timberwolves season-opener but has yet to reach that mark in any of the previous three games.

Ball has shown flashes at times, showcasing that he is still an elite playmaker that has the ability to take over a game at any point.

LAMELO OMGGG

ANT LOVIN' IT TOO pic.twitter.com/ISm91XDqVg
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 26, 2026

Minnesota will likely have over half its season remaining when Anthony Edwards returns

Even if Edwards is out for the full two months, that would have him returning right around Christmas Day. From that point forward, Minnesota will have 50 games remaining in its season.

That number could be more if Edwards is able to return before Christmas, which would give him plenty of time to get ramped back up ahead of the playoffs.

That would be best-case scenario for a Minnesota team that entered the season with championship aspirations.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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