Anthony Edwards' Injury Takes A Worrying Turn As Minnesota Timberwolves Star Faces Two-Month Absence After Knee Surgery

Anthony Edwards set for extended absence© AFP via Getty Images

Anthony Edwards is headed for arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Thursday, and the Minnesota Timberwolves expect to be without him for at least two months. The team has not given a firm return date and will wait until after the procedure. The news arrives just four games into the season. A day earlier, Edwards played a full 41 minutes and scored 47 points in an overtime loss to Cleveland while listed as questionable. Minnesota now has to find offense without the player behind its 3-1 start and 33.3 points a night.

How Long Will Anthony Edwards Be Out After Knee Surgery?

According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Edwards buckled the knee in the season opener against Miami. An MRI followed earlier this week, and the guard and the Wolves agreed surgery was the best way to deal with the discomfort.

The All-Star guard was also seen grabbing at the knee during Sunday's win over Toronto. Coach Chris Finch called it a “daily situation” afterward, so a two-month absence was not what most people expected.

The final timeline is still open. If the estimate holds, Edwards could miss the holidays, including the Christmas Day game against Oklahoma City.

The knee has a history. Last season, runner's knee in the same right leg cost him nine of the final 22 regular-season games, part of a career-high 21 missed overall. Edwards then hyperextended his left knee in the playoffs against Denver. The summer was spent resting both knees, and training camp passed without issues.

Who Steps Up For The Timberwolves Without Edwards?

The scoring hole is big. Edwards poured in 47 against Miami on opening night and 47 more in Cleveland. Finch now has to lean on depth.

LaMelo Ball, in his first season in Minnesota, will be asked to lead. Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga need to produce more on offense. Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Bones Hyland are poised for bigger roles and extra minutes.

Surgery is set for Thursday. Minnesota should get a clearer picture of the real return date once it is done.