There will plenty of storylines to unfold when the Golden State Warriors visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, but some of the sting has already been taken out of the matchup after confirmation that Anthony Edwards will miss up to two months due to a knee injury.
As first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday, Edwards will undergo an arthriscopic procedure on his right knee which will see him miss a significant period, starting with Wednesday's game against the Warriors.
Anthony Edwards injury takes sting out of Warriors-Timberwolves matchup
The news comes less than 24 hours after Edwards exploded for 47 points, four rebounds and four assists in 41 minutes during a thrilling 127-125 overtime loss to the Cavaliers in Cleveland.
Minnesota have been emerging as a real force in the Western Conference after shaking up their team in the offseason, having acquired former third overall pick LaMelo Ball and former Warrior forward Jonathan Kuminga to insert into their starting lineup.
They'd made a fantastic start with three dominant wins over the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors, but the past 24 hours have thrown them a curveball with their first loss followed by Edwards' injury diagnosis.
The Warriors, meanwhile, built some confidence in Denver on Monday after three-straight losses to open the season. Was their own dominant 134-114 victory over the Nuggets a sign of positive things to come? A stern test against the Timberwolves was going to be a great basis on which to provide an answer.
The Timberwolves without Edwards are now a different proposition. It's still a good challenge and one Golden State may very well fail, but there's not quite the same level of feedback to be gained when the opposing team is missing their best player.
Anthony Edwards becomes latest victim in horror injury week
The NBA is already dealing with an injury crisis one week into the season, with Edwards becoming just the latest notable player who will be sidelined for an extended period. Jalen Williams suffered a brutal fractured fibula and dislocated ankle on Sunday, while Thunder teammate Cason Wallace could also miss the entire season due to a shoulder injury.
Staying in the West, Utah Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a torn MCL on Monday and will be out for six to eight weeks. Out in the East, the Magic are already without star forward Paolo Banchero for the same timeframe due to an ankle injury, while two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard will be out of action for the Toronto Raptors for at least a week.
The Warriors haven't suffered any significant injuries so far this season (touch wood), but they're still feeling the impact of last season's devastation as they continue to play without starters Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody following long-term knee injuries. Golden State also remain without Kristaps Porzingis whose health concerns could force the former All-Star to retire from professional basketball altogether.
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