The Minnesota Timberwolves (40-26) have dropped to sixth place in the Western Conference after losing three consecutive games by at least 14 points. When Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu landed on the injury report before Friday night's game against the Golden State Warriors (32-33), some fans believed West Coast's problems could continue. Luckily, both players will be in action inside Chase Center, according to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.
Edwards is dealing with right knee soreness, but will move on. Dosunmu missed Wednesday's 153-128 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with a thumb sprain, so it's encouraging to know he'll be on the floor for this contest. While it remains to be seen how effective these guards will be, this update is important.
The Wolves should theoretically do well against the shorthanded Warriors, but fans aren't taking any capable opponent lightly just yet. Minnesota is just one game away from the NBA Play-In Tournament, with the Phoenix Suns applying the pressure from the No. 7 seed. Although Chris Finch's group has overcome challenging situations before, no one wants to play an extra game in this tough conference.
Conserving energy may be necessary in potential postseason meetings with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs or Denver Nuggets. Therefore, it is important for the Timberwolves to take care of business in the final 16 games of the regular season. They can't accomplish that task unless their franchise keystone is healthy.
Anthony Edwards is scoring a career-high 29.4 points per contest while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from behind the 3-point line. He's getting better year after year and climbing the ladder of NBA superstars. When a two-time All-NBA Second-Team selection is on the final stretch, Minnesota can compete with anyone. Edwards is "the guy" on this team, but Ayo Dosunmu is valuable in his own right.
Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bulls, the 2021 second-round draft pick is able to ease the No. 5 offensive burden somewhat. He attacks the rim and plays with ferocity, making him a perfect fit for this Timberwolves team.
Edwards and Dosunmu will do their best to overcome any discomfort they are feeling in this matchup with the Warriors. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 pm ET.
