Anthony Edwards cleared for Game 1 after hyperextended knee, expedites rehab to face Spurs

Key facts

• Anthony Edwards hyperextended his left knee and suffered a bone bruise on April 25, 2026, in Game 4 against Denver.
• Edwards was cleared to play in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio on May 5, 2026.
• He will be on a minutes restriction, per coach Chris Finch.
• Donte DiVincenzo's season ended with an Achilles tendon injury in the same game.
• The Timberwolves beat the Nuggets 3-1 in the first round despite losing Edwards and DiVincenzo.
• Ayo Dosunmu scored 43 points in Game 4 to lead Minnesota to victory.

Edwards returns earlier than expected

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards has been cleared to play Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, returning 10 days after hyperextending his left knee. Edwards was expected to miss at least the first two games of the series in San Antonio, but the 6-foot-4 guard expedited his rehabilitation to play in the opener. Coach Chris Finch confirmed the decision: “He’s in,” adding that Edwards will be on a minutes restriction.

Injury timeline and clearance process

Edwards suffered a bone bruise, in addition to hyperextending his left knee, on April 25 during Game 4 of Minnesota’s opening-round series against Denver. He was cleared to participate in team activities Saturday and upgraded to questionable on Sunday’s injury report. After being a full participant in the morning shootaround, he was cleared to play following pre-game workouts Monday.

DiVincenzo lost for the season

The same game that sidelined Edwards also cost the Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo for the remainder of the season. DiVincenzo was lost 1:19 into Game 4, the nature of his injury immediately suggesting an Achilles issue. He slipped to the court while chasing a ball, waved for help, and put little weight on his right foot as he was helped to the locker room, eventually leaving the arena in a wheelchair. Finch said, “I feel completely devastated for Donte.”

Timberwolves rally without their stars

Despite losing both starting guards, the Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 3-1 in the first-round series, fueled by 43 points from Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu, emotional after the game, said, “I was heartbroken. This is for them. Ant, Donte, they mean so much to the organization. I’m sending them prayers. I hope for a speedy recovery, but this game, personally, was for them.” Edwards had been averaging 23 points and 8 rebounds in the series; DiVincenzo averaged 14.3 points and made 11 of 22 3-pointers in the first three games.

Stakes for the Spurs series

The Timberwolves, seeded sixth, now face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. Edwards’ return, even on a minutes restriction, provides a significant boost to a team that has already overcome adversity. The series opener in San Antonio marks the first playoff action for Edwards since Game 4 of the first round, and his availability could shift the dynamics of the matchup.

Outlook and open questions

While Edwards is cleared for Game 1, the minutes restriction suggests the Timberwolves will manage his workload carefully. The long-term durability of his left knee remains a concern, especially given the bone bruise. For the Spurs, they must prepare for a Minnesota team that has proven resilient without its stars, and now faces a reintegrated Edwards. The series is poised to test both teams' depth and adaptability.

The bottom line

• Anthony Edwards returns for Game 1 of the West semifinals after a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise, on a minutes restriction.
• Donte DiVincenzo is out for the season with an Achilles injury, suffered in the same game as Edwards.
• The Timberwolves advanced past Denver 3-1 without Edwards and DiVincenzo, thanks to 43 points from Ayo Dosunmu.
• Edwards averaged 23 points and 8 rebounds in the first round; DiVincenzo averaged 14.3 points and shot 50% from three.
• Minnesota faces San Antonio as the sixth seed, with Edwards’ availability altering the series outlook.