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Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves leaves the floor after losing to the Denver Nuggets during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are preparing for a pivotal Game 2 with their franchise cornerstone trending toward playing — even as injury concerns persist.

According to Shams Charania on ESPN’s NBA Today, Anthony Edwards is dealing with “runner’s knee,” a condition involving inflammation, swelling and pain, but is still expected to suit up Monday night against the Denver Nuggets.

“Anthony Edwards is going to be playing tonight. He’s going to cut through it,” Charania said. “This is an injury that requires rest… but there’s no time for that in the playoffs.”

(UPDATE: The Timberwolves announced Edwards is available to play in Game 2.)

Timberwolves Star Battling Knee Pain

GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors missed nearly three months with the same knee issue that Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is currently dealing with.

Edwards is officially listed as questionable for Game 2 due to right knee injury maintenance, but his participation in Monday morning’s shootaround signals he is trending toward availability.

Charania noted that Edwards previously underwent a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection late in the regular season to reduce swelling — an indication the issue has been lingering rather than acute.

The condition is similar to what Stephen Curry has managed in the past, requiring careful monitoring rather than a quick fix.

Anthony Edwards Stats in Game 1 Show Impact Despite Injury

Even while playing through discomfort, Edwards delivered a strong all-around performance in Game 1.

He finished with 22 points but shot just 7-of-19 from the field. He also contributed nine rebounds, seven assists against three turnovers and added three blocks — highlighting his ability to impact the game across multiple areas despite limited efficiency as a scorer.

Edwards’ seven assists also pushed him to become the Timberwolves’ all-time postseason assists leader, underscoring his evolving role as both scorer and facilitator.

“I was just telling the guys… ‘We’re good. It’s Game 1,’” Edwards said after the loss. “We should be ready next game to come out here and do what we gotta do to get a win.”

Nuggets Take Game 1 Behind Jokic, Murray

The defending champion Nuggets capitalized late in Game 1, pulling away for a 116-105 win.

Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray led all scorers with 30 points, including a perfect 16-for-16 from the free-throw line.

Denver used a decisive 17-2 run in the third quarter to seize control and extend its winning streak to 13 games.

“Winning a grimy game, it’s good,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said.

Edwards’ Health Could Decide Series

The biggest question entering Game 2 is whether Edwards can maintain his level of play while managing pain and swelling.

Runner’s knee typically requires extended rest — something the playoff schedule simply does not allow. While there are short gaps between games, they may only provide limited relief.

Minnesota coach Chris Finch emphasized the need for improved execution.

“We’ve got to make smarter, more solid plays,” Finch said.

Game 2 Outlook: Timberwolves Lean on Edwards’ Toughness

Game 2 tips off Monday night in Denver, with the Timberwolves looking to even the series before returning home.

Edwards’ willingness to play through injury will once again be central to Minnesota’s chances. In a tightly contested matchup between two familiar opponents, even a slightly limited version of their star could make a difference.

For the Timberwolves, the equation is simple: if Edwards is on the floor, they have a chance — even if he’s not at full strength.