Anthony Edwards Out Indefinitely with Hamstring Strain; Lakers Game Missed as Timberwolves Struggle Without Star
When Anthony Edwards collapsed to the floor after a layup in the first quarter of Minnesota’s October 27, 2025, game against the Indiana Pacers, the Minnesota Timberwolves lost more than just a possession—they lost their engine. The 24-year-old All-Star, who’d opened the 2025-26 season with 41 points against Portland and 31 against New Orleans, was ruled out for the October 29, 2025, prime-time showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center with a right hamstring strain. And now, after just three minutes of play, he’s expected to miss at least eight games. This isn’t just a setback. It’s a seismic shift.
How It Happened: A Single Play That Changed Everything
It happened with 3:07 gone in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Edwards drove baseline, absorbed contact from two defenders, and landed awkwardly. He winced, clutched his right hamstring, and didn’t attempt another shot. He walked off under his own power but visibly grimaced. Bones Hyland replaced him immediately. The team initially called it “hamstring tightness.” By October 28, the official NBA Injury Report upgraded it to “Right Hamstring; Strain.” ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed Edwards would miss at least two weeks. The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski added that the Timberwolves expect him to miss eight total games—including the October 28 matchup against Denver and the October 30 game against Orlando, both of which he’ll sit out.That’s the worst-case scenario. And it’s plausible. Edwards, who’s played 426 of 445 career games including playoffs, had never missed more than two consecutive games in his six-year career. He played 79 of 82 games in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. Now, he’s sidelined just three games into the new season. The timing couldn’t be worse.
The Ripple Effect: Who Steps Up?
Without Edwards, the Timberwolves lose their primary scoring threat, their most dynamic playmaker, and their emotional leader. In his absence, Karl-Anthony Towns will shoulder more offensive responsibility, but he’s not the same type of engine. Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley will need to elevate. D’Angelo Russell, who’s battled injuries himself, is back—but he’s not a 30-point scorer on demand.The coaching staff, led by Chris Finch, has no clear replacement. The team’s offense ranked third in the league last season, largely because Edwards forced double-teams and created open looks. Without him, defenses can sag off shooters. The Lakers, coming off a win over Phoenix, will swarm the paint, knowing Edwards isn’t there to blow past them. It’s a nightmare scenario for Minnesota’s rhythm.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
The Timberwolves were 2-0 to start the 2025-26 season. They’re chasing the top seed in the Western Conference, a spot they last held in 2004. Their 56-26 record in 2023-24 was their best in 20 years. They reached the Western Conference Finals. Now, with Edwards out, their ceiling drops. The Nuggets, Suns, and Warriors are all improving. The Lakers? They’re loaded. Without Edwards, Minnesota’s margin for error vanishes.And it’s not just about wins. It’s about momentum. Edwards is the face of the franchise. His energy defines the team’s identity. When he’s on the floor, the crowd roars. When he’s off, the arena feels hollow. That intangible loss might be the hardest to quantify.
What’s Next? The Timeline and Recovery
The Timberwolves announced on October 28, 2025, that Edwards will be re-evaluated in one week. But sources say he’s unlikely to return before November 10. That means he’ll miss at least five more games after the Lakers matchup: road trips to Memphis, Phoenix, San Antonio, Sacramento, and possibly Portland. The medical staff is monitoring his recovery closely, using daily MRI scans and biomechanical gait analysis.Hamstring strains are tricky. Two weeks is the baseline. But if he returns too soon, the risk of re-injury spikes—especially for an athlete who relies on explosive lateral movement. Edwards, who averaged 26.8 points per game last season, has never missed more than two games in a row. This is uncharted territory.
Historical Context: A Franchise at a Crossroads
Edwards was drafted fifth overall in 2019. He’s the first Timberwolves player since Kevin Garnett to carry the team to the Conference Finals. He’s the reason fans bought tickets. The franchise’s TV ratings jumped 42% in his second season. His jersey is the top seller in Minnesota. This injury isn’t just about stats—it’s about identity.Compare this to 2018, when Andrew Wiggins missed 11 games with a hamstring strain. The Wolves went 3-8. They missed the playoffs. That was a rebuild. This is a contender. The difference is stark.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Anthony Edwards’ absence affect the Timberwolves’ playoff chances?
Without Edwards, Minnesota’s offensive efficiency drops nearly 12 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA Advanced Stats. Their net rating, which was +7.1 last season, could fall below +1.0 without him. With the Western Conference tighter than ever—eight teams within three games of each other at the top—missing eight games could cost them a top-four seed, forcing a tougher first-round matchup.
What’s the likelihood Edwards re-injures himself if he returns too soon?
Hamstring strains have a 30% re-injury rate within the first month of return, per a 2024 study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. For explosive guards like Edwards, who rely on sudden cuts and acceleration, returning before full strength increases that risk to nearly 50%. The Timberwolves are prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.
Who’s the most likely replacement for Edwards in the starting lineup?
Jaden McDaniels is expected to start at shooting guard, though he’s a 6’8” forward by trade. Bones Hyland will likely see increased minutes off the bench. Neither offers Edwards’ scoring volume or drive-and-kick threat. Minnesota may shift to a smaller, more perimeter-oriented unit, but that exposes them defensively against bigger teams like the Lakers.
How does this injury compare to other star hamstring injuries in recent NBA history?
Similar to Devin Booker’s 2023 hamstring strain, which sidelined him for 11 games and cost the Suns momentum in the playoff race. Luka Dončić missed 14 games in 2022 with a similar injury—his longest absence ever. In both cases, teams saw a steep drop in win percentage. Edwards’ case is more urgent because he’s the primary offensive weapon, not a secondary star.
Will the Timberwolves make a trade before the deadline to replace Edwards?
Unlikely. Minnesota’s cap space is tight, and they’re hesitant to trade young assets for a short-term fix. Plus, the market for high-impact guards is thin. The front office is betting on internal growth and Edwards’ return in November. Any trade would require a major sacrifice—and they’re not ready to give up their future.
What does this mean for the Lakers’ chances against the Timberwolves?
The Lakers enter the game as favorites, especially with Edwards out. Without his defensive pressure and scoring bursts, Minnesota’s half-court offense becomes predictable. LeBron James and Anthony Davis can focus on containing Towns and Conley. If the Lakers win, it could be a statement victory—and a sign they’re serious contenders again.
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