In the eve of their matchup against the Suns, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns remain questionable.
The Timberwolves are still in a tight race for seeding in the Western Conference, needing to win this game and relying on either the Denver Nuggets or the Oklahoma City Thunder to lose in order to clinch the top seed.
However, their final regular-season game is against the Phoenix Suns, a team that has posed many challenges for Minnesota this year.
Given that the Suns are still striving to improve their record to avoid the play-in tournament, the Timberwolves must bring their best to defeat them in their 82nd game of the season.
The injury report for the Minnesota team has become a significant talking point, with both of their 2024 All-Star players appearing on it ahead of the final game of the season. In a must-win game, the Timberwolves might be without Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
Anthony Edwards’ Injury Status:
Prior to the last game, Edwards appeared on the injury report for the Timberwolves. Anthony was listed as questionable due to illness ahead of the game against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite being on the injury list, Edwards played through the illness.
However, compared to his usual performance, Anthony Edwards underperformed during the game. He only scored 14 points in 27 minutes of play. Edwards only made 4 out of 12 attempted shots in the game. Despite adding four rebounds and four assists, it was evident that Edwards wasn’t at his best.
Now, Anthony Edwards is once again listed as questionable due to illness. Based on his performance in the previous game, it remains to be seen if Minnesota will opt to rest him for some time before the playoffs. Given Minnesota’s quest for the top seed, this emerging star will likely do everything to play on Sunday afternoon.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Availability:
After missing 18 games, Towns returned to the Wolves’ starting lineup. In his first game back after a torn left meniscus, Towns was clearly trying to adapt to the rhythm of the game. Although his shooting was off for most of the time, the seven-foot player hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game to help the Wolves defeat the Hawks.
Towns also dished out eight assists, in addition to his 11 points. His chemistry with teammate Rudy Gobert on the court remains remarkable.
Post-game, Towns was asked about his return to the starting lineup and how his knee felt after the game.
Towns quickly responded, “Feels great. Tonight I felt really good. Honestly, I didn’t even feel [the injury].”
While his immediate post-game reaction sounds promising, it doesn’t necessarily mean Towns can do this every night. Therefore, Towns is once again listed as questionable for the Timberwolves ahead of their final regular-season game.
In a tight situation, Towns might push to play and continue to shake off rust before the playoffs.
However, considering his feeling, Minnesota may take a cautious approach with Towns. If Towns can suit up, the Wolves will gain a significant boost. His size provides Minnesota with a noticeable advantage, especially against the smaller lineup of the Suns.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are facing a tough decision. In a game they must win, the health of their two core players poses a hurdle.
While they may push to play, considering their health and the importance of the playoffs, Minnesota might be more inclined to give them some rest to ensure they have their best players available for the postseason.
Regardless of how the Minnesota Timberwolves decide, this game will have a significant impact on their playoff destiny.
If they are without Edwards and Towns, they’ll have to rely on other players to fill the considerable void. But if both can play, especially Towns, they stand a better chance of success in the playoffs. Either way, this game will be a crucial start to their postseason journey.
It’s quite unexpected that in the final game of the regular season, the Suns have lucked out with Towns and Edwards sidelined or questionable due to injuries, giving Durant an advantage.
