Anthony Edwards Sidelined: How Will the Timberwolves Fare Against the Rockets?
The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Houston Rockets on Friday without their star guard, Anthony Edwards. Edwards is currently managing nagging foot soreness stemming from a previous toe infection, casting a shadow over the team’s prospects. This absence comes after he also missed Tuesday’s impressive 139-106 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Recent Performance & The Rockets’ Struggles
The Rockets recently suffered a defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, losing 111-91. Despite dominating the boards with a 60-44 rebounding advantage, including a remarkable 23 offensive rebounds, Houston couldn’t overcome their struggles from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 29.2% from three-point range. The Thunder, conversely, found their rhythm, connecting on 39% of their triples.
Houston’s recent form has been concerning, with four losses in their last five games and a 3-5 record for January. They’ll be looking to bounce back quickly, but facing a Timberwolves team, even without Edwards, presents a challenge.
The Timberwolves Without Their Star
While Edwards’ absence is significant, the Timberwolves have proven they can compete without him. They boast a 5-3 record in games where he hasn’t played this season. The win against Milwaukee without both Edwards and All-Defensive center Rudy Gobert (serving a one-game suspension) demonstrates their depth and resilience.
However, it’s crucial not to underestimate the Rockets. The Timberwolves are 0-3 in back-to-back games this season, and Houston will be eager to capitalize on that weakness. This is the Rockets’ fourth back-to-back of the season, adding to the pressure.
Beyond Edwards: Other Injury Concerns
The Timberwolves will also be without Terrance Shannon, who has been sidelined since Christmas. For the Rockets, the focus remains on overcoming their shooting woes and securing a much-needed win.
Looking Ahead: A Challenging Schedule for Houston
The Rockets face a demanding schedule in the coming weeks, with back-to-back games against the Detroit Pistons next Saturday and the Atlanta Hawks on the 29th. This stretch will test their ability to overcome adversity and find consistency.
The absence of Anthony Edwards undoubtedly alters the dynamic of the Timberwolves-Rockets matchup. While Minnesota has shown they can win without their star, the Rockets will be determined to exploit this opportunity and snap their losing streak. The game promises to be a compelling contest, highlighting the importance of team depth and resilience in the NBA.
For more in-depth NBA coverage, visit NBA.com.
