NBA: Anthony Edwards injury update after star hobbles off in Timberwolves home opener

What began as an exciting home opener for the Minnesota Timberwolves took an early hit when star guard Anthony Edwards was forced off with a hamstring issue.

The Timberwolves went on to edge out the injury-hit Indiana Pacers 114-110 on Sunday night, but at the expense of losing their star man.

Edwards, a three-time All-Star entering his sixth NBA season, exited in the opening minutes with tightness in his right hamstring and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Finch offered no update on his condition afterwards.

With Edwards sidelined, Randle shouldered the offensive load, orchestrating the Timberwolves’ attack.

Edwards drove through traffic for a tough layup, taking heavy contact before appealing unsuccessfully for a foul. Moments later, he left the court during a timeout, replaced by Bones Hyland.

Minnesota quickly confirmed that the guard would not return, citing right hamstring tightness. It comes only days after Edwards was listed as questionable with back spasms for the team’s season opener in Portland – a game in which he erupted for 41 points in 39 minutes.

His explosive start to the season had been one of the Timberwolves’ early positives, making his latest knock a cause for concern as the team faces a quick turnaround in their schedule.

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Minnesota’s schedule offers little time for recovery. Less than 24 hours after Sunday’s game, the Timberwolves are set to face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night – a daunting task even with a full-strength lineup.

Despite the uncertainty around Edwards, team-mate Naz Reid gave ann optimistic update about his recovery.

“Having Ant is a luxury, but I think he’ll be all right. I think he’ll play tomorrow,” Reid said after recording 16 points and 10 rebounds. “We’ve seen him do that plenty of times before.”

However, it has now been reported that Edwards will miss up to two weeks with the injury.