Anthony Edwards returns to face the Thunder after three-game absence

MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves to face the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, after a three-game absence while managing a foot injury.

The three-time All-Star has already tallied his most absences since the 2021-22 season when he played in 72 games. Edwards missed four games earlier this season with a strained hamstring.

The Timberwolves held backup point guard Mike Conley (Achilles) out for a fourth consecutive game and also were without reserve guard Jaylen Clark (illness), the team’s best perimeter defender.

Thunder centre Isaiah Hartenstein returned after missing the last game with a foot injury, but Oklahoma City’s bench was thinned a bit with forward Jaylin Williams (heel) out for a second straight game and guard Aaron Wiggins (adductor) also ruled out.