Are the Minnesota Timberwolves ready to take on the Philadelphia 76ers? The Timberwolves had a good start to the preseason, winning their game against the Los Angeles Lakers by a 17-point margin. However, if the past is any indication, the squad must be more careful when going up against Joel Embiid and Co. After all, the 76ers are 7-3 against the Timberwolves in their last 10 games. Add the fact that the franchise now has Paul George, the competition would likely get more intense. With Karl-Anthony Towns now playing for the New York Knicks, the Timberwolves will have to rely upon Anthony Edwards to carry their offensive charge. Unfortunately, fans won’t get to know whether the star will suit up until game time.

According to the Timberwolves Injury Report highlighted by ESPN, Anthony Edwards continues to hold the ‘day-to-day’ status. The player had earlier been ruled out of the Timberwolves preseason debut against the Los Angeles Lakers. Fresh off a gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics just two months ago, the 23-year-old had less offseason than his teammates. Looking at how LeBron James and Anthony Davis were also made to rest and not play the preseason debut, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch ended up benching Edwards to allow them to get the required rest before things heat up. While both LeBron and Davis returned for the Lakers’ second game, a final decision on Edwards probably won’t be known until a few hours remain in the upcoming matchup.

Anthony Edwards had his fair share of injuries during the previous season. From having issues with his illness, hips, and knees during the early part of the 2023-24 season to making an incredible dunk against the Denver Nuggets but dislocating his left middle finger as the price to pay, the shooting guard became as injury-prone as Anthony Davis. Despite this, not only did the player appear in 79 regular season games and started in 78, he also teamed up with Karl-Anthony Towns to lead the Timberwolves to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. By averaging 25.1 points during the regular season and 27.6 during the playoffs, he showed why he has earned the title of being the ‘second coming of Michael Jordan.’ All of these stats, unfortunately, won’t be of much use if Edwards isn’t available to take on Joel Embiid and Co.

Adding to the challenges, Julius Randle joins Edwards on the Injury Report, both listed as ‘day-to-day.’ The newest acquisition of the Timberwolves had been away from the court since January 27 after he developed an injury on his right shoulder. After undergoing season-ending surgery back in April, the player has spent the past couple of months in recovery. Things seemed to be looking up for him after he made a public appearance a couple of weeks ago at a football game. Despite this, he didn’t play in the Timberwolves-Lakers game. Now, fans won’t get a confirmation on Randle’s availability until the last few minutes as well.

Being his star player, head coach Chris Finch may want to rest Edwards for more preseason games to ensure he gives his all during the regular season. However, if there is anyone who can lead the team to break their unwanted 3-7 record against the 76ers, it is the 23-year-old.

How has Anthony Edwards performed against the Philadelphia 76ers?

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Anthony Edwards and Joel Embiid were close, with Edwards even defending Embiid against boos by saying, “You want three seven-footers?” about the French team. However, back in the NBA, Edwards hasn’t held back against Embiid and his team—and that competitive edge is likely to continue.

In the eight games that Anthony Edwards has played against the Philadelphia 76ers, he has averaged 23.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He has achieved this by making 8.4 of 19.6 field goal attempts (42.7%), 2.8 of 7.9 three-pointers (34.9%), and 4.4 of 4.9 free throws (89.7%). Amidst a strong defense, the player has often been able to circumvent the block and make shots that kept his average score maintained. The dunk he made during February 2023 was so astonishing that it not only ignited a cheer from the crowd but also brought his benched teammates to their feet.

Despite the player’s prowess, the Timberwolves continue to struggle against the 76ers. The last four matchups have given out alternate wins, with one team winning a game while the other taking the victory next. Therefore, it is hard to predict the winner of the upcoming matchup. However, the Timberwolves’s chances will certainly get a boost if they have Anthony Edwards leading them.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.