The Minnesota Timberwolves have seized firm control of their first-round 2026 NBA Playoffs series against the Denver Nuggets, and the latest update on superstar guard Anthony Edwards has only intensified the pressure on the defending Western Conference contenders.
After delivering a commanding 113-96 victory in Game 3 on Thursday night, the Timberwolves now lead the series 2-1 heading into Saturday’s Game 4 in Minneapolis. The dominant home win showcased Minnesota’s stifling defense and offensive balance, but the most significant development came during Friday’s practice when head coach Chris Finch provided an encouraging report on Edwards’ status.
Edwards, who has been managing a right knee injury throughout the postseason, has been removed from the Timberwolves’ injury report for Game 4. The 24-year-old shooting guard (6-4, 225 lbs), a native of Atlanta, had been listed as questionable for the previous three games due to ongoing knee management. He notably missed a significant portion of the regular season’s final stretch because of the same issue.
“Well, I think it’s both. I think it’s definitely still something that we’re managing and he’s managing but all signs are pointing to that it is getting better,” Finch told reporters after practice.
The coach’s comments signal positive progress for the Wolves’ franchise cornerstone. While the team continues to monitor the injury carefully, the trajectory is clearly upward, giving Minnesota a major boost as they push for a 3-1 series lead.
Edwards’ potential full availability could not come at a better time for the Timberwolves. Already boasting one of the league’s most formidable defenses, Minnesota overwhelmed the Nuggets in Game 3 with relentless pressure and transition play. Removing any doubt about their leading scorer and dynamic playmaker only heightens the challenge for Denver, which has struggled to find consistent answers on both ends of the floor.
For the Nuggets, the news is a clear setback. Facing elimination pressure on the road, they must now contend with a healthier and more explosive version of Edwards—the explosive 24-year-old who can take over games with his scoring, athleticism, and playmaking. Denver’s offense, anchored by Nikola Jokić, will likely face even tighter defensive attention, while their own half-court execution has shown vulnerabilities against Minnesota’s length and physicality.
The momentum in this series has shifted decisively toward the Timberwolves. A Game 3 blowout victory, combined with Edwards’ improving knee and removal from the injury report, creates a daunting scenario for the Nuggets. Saturday’s Game 4 presents Denver with a must-win situation if they hope to extend the series and return home with renewed life.
As the series intensifies, all eyes will be on Target Center to see how Edwards performs with his knee continuing to trend in the right direction. For the Nuggets, the path to victory has just become significantly steeper. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, appear poised to capitalize on their home dominance and a key health update that could prove decisive in this high-stakes first-round matchup.