Anthony Edwards went from cleared to out over the course of October 27, and his estimated return date is now December 21. ESPN's Jamal Collier reported he will miss up to two months, and The Athletic reported an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee.
The Hole at the Top
Edwards was averaging 33.3 points through four games, and he scored 47 in the overtime loss at Cleveland. Nobody else on the roster is averaging more than 15.0. Donte DiVincenzo is still sidelined by his right Achilles, with an estimated return of April 2, so the backcourt is down to LaMelo Ball, Ayo Dosunmu and Shannon, who is shooting 50.0 percent from deep. Ball has given 14.8 points and 6.3 assists in 24.8 minutes. This week Dunking with Wolves argued he cannot be only a playmaker. With Edwards gone, that stops being a debate.
Golden State, Short-Handed
The Warriors come to Minneapolis tonight at 1-3, playing their third straight game away from home. Kristaps Porzingis is out with an illness, and Jimmy Butler III (right knee) and Moses Moody (left knee) are out too. Yaxel Lendeborg, their top scorer at 21.8 points, is listed with a foot problem. Stephen Curry has averaged 23.7 points in three games. Golden State's defensive rating is 121.1. Minnesota's is 100.5, and that is the number that has to hold now. The Clippers follow on October 30 in an Emirates NBA Cup game, then San Antonio on October 31 and Milwaukee on November 2.
Depth, Not an Answer
Enrique Freeman rejoined the roster on October 28. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported that it is a two-way contract and that Freeman will begin in Iowa. Payroll is $215.3 million, above the first apron, which leaves the front office little room to add more. So the question falls to Chris Finch: does the offense now run through Ball, or does McDaniels get the touches Dunking with Wolves said he was missing after halftime?
When will Anthony Edwards return from his knee injury?
His estimated return date is December 21. ESPN reported he will miss up to two months, and The Athletic reported an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee.
Is Enrique Freeman back with the Timberwolves on a two-way contract?
Freeman rejoined the roster on October 28. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported that it is a two-way deal and that he will start in Iowa.
