MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Timberwolves are one win away from knocking out their archrival Denver Nuggets, but they may have to finish the job without two starting guards.
Injuries Hit Wolves Before Game 5
Anthony Edwards has a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Edwards avoided ligament damage, but the injury is still expected to sideline one of the NBA’s most explosive players as Minnesota tries to close out its first-round playoff series.
Minnesota also lost Donte DiVincenzo only a couple minutes into Game 4 with a torn right Achilles tendon, ending his season and putting his 2026-27 season in doubt.
Edwards was injured in the first half while trying to contest a layup by Denver’s Cam Johnson. He landed awkwardly and he hobbled off the floor.
Edwards averaged 28.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists during the regular season. DiVincenzo had become one of the Wolves’ most important two-way players during their playoff push.
Wolves-Nuggets Rivalry Boils Over
The Wolves beat Denver 112-96 on Saturday night to take a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 is Monday night in Denver.
The night also ended with bad blood between the two teams.
With Minnesota leading 110-96 in the final seconds, Jaden McDaniels drove in for a late layup instead of dribbling out the clock. Nikola Jokic took exception and ran down the court to confront McDaniels, shoving him near the Wolves bench and sparking a scuffle between the teams.
Jokic and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle were both ejected. The NBA is investigating the incident and reviewing footage, ESPN reported.
Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.
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