TITLE: Timberwolves Sit Anthony Edwards, Flagg Details Kyrie Irving’s Guidance, Powell Returns to Heat Bench
SLUG: timberwolves-edwards-out-flagg-praises-irving-powell-heat-comeback
CONTENT:
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday without All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out with right knee soreness. The club enters the game holding a two-game advantage over Phoenix for the Western Conference’s No. 6 seed, the last position that guarantees a playoff berth.
According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, Edwards appeared to be favoring the knee during Sunday’s road loss to Oklahoma City. Tuesday’s absence will be his 11th of the season. Sixth Man of the Year candidate Naz Reid is listed as questionable with a right shoulder contusion.
Mavericks
DALLAS — Rookie forward Cooper Flagg credited injured star Kyrie Irving for providing steady mentorship while the veteran guard rehabs a torn ACL that ended his season. “He was that top pick and was kind of thrown into the fire,” Flagg told ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “He stepped in as a great vet for me and was there giving me guidance.”
Flagg acknowledged early-season struggles, saying Irving’s reassurance to “stay positive” helped him navigate the rough stretch.
Heat
ORLANDO — Norman Powell scored 21 points in his return from a seven-game absence caused by a right groin strain, but the Miami Heat fell to the Orlando Magic. Powell came off the bench for the first time in nearly two years after Miami won each game during his injury spell.
“These are not easy decisions right now,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He’s going to play a lot of minutes. Tyler (Herro) is going to play a lot of minutes. Right now we just need to focus on winning games.”
Herro rejoined the starting lineup alongside Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larsson, Bam Adebayo and Kelel Ware. With Powell and Herro available, guard Dru Smith did not play (coach’s decision).
Source: Hoops Wire
