Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Undergoes Knee Surgery, Expected Out Two Months

Anthony Edwards is expected to miss the next two months of the NBA season following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. ESPN's Shams Charania reported the procedure is scheduled for Thursday, with The Athletic noting the Timberwolves target a December return.

The surgery decision came less than 24 hours after Edwards scored 47 points in an overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Minnesota initially listed the guard as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors due to right knee injury maintenance before downgrading his status to out.

This is the same knee that caused issues during the previous season. Edwards was seen holding it during Sunday's victory over the Toronto Raptors. Last year, he missed the final game of the first round against the Denver Nuggets due to a hyperextension. He also came off the bench for Game 1 of the conference semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs. The Athletic reported he received around-the-clock treatment and had the knee drained multiple times to remain available. Edwards stated during the preseason that he took two months off to allow both knees to heal.

The Timberwolves currently hold a 3-1 record and are viewed as top contenders in the West. They are led by Edwards and LaMelo Ball, who joined from the Charlotte Hornets in a June trade. Edwards averages 33.3 points per game and leads the league with 18 three-pointers at a 40 percent clip.

With Edwards out, Ball must assume a larger offensive role. Data from Cleaning the Glass shows the team has played at a bottom-10 level over 74 non-garbage-time possessions with Ball on the floor and Edwards off. Ball averages 14.8 points per game this season, down from his 20-point average with Charlotte last year. Jaden McDaniels is another key contributor. He is on a five-year, $136 million deal and recently signed a one-year, $40 million extension. He averages 15 points per game on 59 percent shooting and could increase his usage to pursue an All-Star bid.

The schedule provides some relief. Before Christmas, Minnesota faces only six top-tier opponents: the Spurs, Rockets, Knicks, Thunder, and the Lakers twice. Sixteen of their next 26 games are home contests, including an eight-game homestand in November.