“He (Anthony Edwards) is playing with supreme confidence. We know they had their run last year, and they’re a new look with (Julius) Randle, but same Ant, who’s trying to take strides with every opportunity he gets…It’s going to be a tough challenge,” said Stephen Curry during a press conference. Though the Golden State Warriors may have emerged victorious from an extra physical series with the Houston Rockets, the Minnesota Timberwolves are no easier opponents to deal with. Led by the energized 23-year-old, the Wolves defeated a star-studded squad by a 3-1 record, with Anthony Edwards himself emerging as the highest average scorer of the series with his 26.8 ppg. Therefore, with Game 1 of the Warriors-Timberwolves series set to commence soon, having the star player available and without any injury woes, would go a long way in increasing the Wolves’ odds.
According to the Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report, as highlighted by ESPN, Anthony Edwards’ name is nowhere to be found. This means that the lead scorer will be fully available to take on Stephen Curry and Co in the next few hours. Furthermore, it also means that the player’s calf troubles are behind him. Edwards sustained a calf ailment during Game 1 of the memorable Timberwolves-Lakers series.
The incident occurred after the player missed a layup with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter. Edwards checked out of the game and went straight to the locker room, with a trainer walking alongside him. After that, he was declared questionable to return after it was revealed the player had sustained cramping. Fortunately, he returned when 10:57 remained in the 4th quarter. Since then, the issue has not bothered the young star.
Nov 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, only one player is declared ‘OUT’. Rob Dillingham, who sustained a sprained left ankle before the beginning of the playoff series, is set to miss his 7th consecutive game. This includes all 5 of the Timberwolves-Lakers series games, including the team’s season finale game against the Utah Jazz around mid-April.
Meanwhile, for the Golden State Warriors, only Gary Payton II is on the Injury Report. Currently suffering from an unspecified illness, the player’s status for the upcoming game is placed under the ‘Questionable’ category.
In light of these updates, not many changes are expected to take place in the starting lineups of either franchise.
What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Timberwolves-Warriors game look like?
Anthony Edwards, along with Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert, should be more than enough to handle things on the offensive front. Furthermore, Rob Dillingham is the tertiary point guard. Therefore, his absence shouldn’t impact the Timberwolves’ backcourt rotation.
In light of this, the starting lineup for the Minnesota Timberwolves is expected to look like this:
POSITION
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
PG
Mike Conley
Donte DiVincenzo
Rob Dillingham (OUT)
Anthony Edwards
Bones Hyland
SG
Anthony Edwards
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Donte DiVincenzo
Terrence Shannon Jr.
Jaylen Clark
SF
Jaden McDaniels
Terrence Shannon Jr.
Jaylen Clark
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Donte DiVincenzo
PF
Julius Randle
Naz Reid
Jaden McDaniels
Joe Ingles
Leonard Miller
C
Rudy Gobert
Naz Reid
Luke Garza
Julius Randle
Leonard Miller
Similarly, given the update for the Golden State Warriors, their starting lineup will look like this:
POSITION
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
PG
Stephen Curry
Brandin Podziemski
Pat Spencer
Moses Moody
Taran Armstrong
SG
Brandin Podziemski
Gary Payton II (Questionable)
Buddy Hield
Moses Moody
Pat Spencer
SF
Buddy Hield
Moses Moody
Gary Payton II (Questionable)
Gui Santos
Jimmy Butler III
PF
Jimmy Butler III
Gui Santos
Jonathan Kuminga
Draymond Green
Moses Moody
C
Draymond Green
Quinten Post
Kevon Looney
Trayce Jackson-Davis
The Minnesota Timberwolves or the Golden State Warriors? Who will you be rooting for? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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