Edwards is officially listed as questionable for the game due to knee maintenance, but a morning shootaround appearance signals he’s moving toward availability. He previously underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection late in the regular season to curb swelling, underscoring that this is a lingering issue rather than a simple, acute setback.
In Game 1, Edwards still made an impact, finishing with 22 points on 7-for-19 shooting, plus nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. His seven assists helped him become the Timberwolves’ all-time postseason assists leader, illustrating his evolving role as both scorer and playmaker. He insisted the team would be ready to respond after the loss.
Denver seized control late, winning 116-105 behind Nikola Jokic’s triple-double (25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) and Jamal Murray’s 30 points, including a perfect 16-for-16 from the free-throw line. The Nuggets rode a decisive 17-2 third-quarter run to take control and extend their playoff momentum.
The central question for Game 2 is whether Edwards can maintain his performance while managing knee pain and swelling. Runner’s knee typically benefits from rest, but the playoff schedule offers limited relief, making Edwards’ health a critical variable. Minnesota coach Chris Finch has stressed the need for smarter, more solid execution regardless.
Outlook for Monday night in Denver centers on Edwards’ toughness and availability. If he plays effectively, the Timberwolves will have a fighting chance to even the series; even a limited Edwards could influence a tightly contested matchup between two familiar playoff foes.
