Timberwolves Await Edwards’ Update; Watson Targets Free Agency; Gonzalez Impresses in First Celtics Start
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MINNEAPOLIS — An MRI confirmed that Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is dealing with a right hamstring strain, the team announced Monday. He will be re-evaluated in one week, a shorter window than the two-week timeline reported earlier by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Edwards left Sunday’s game against the Pacers after just three minutes, clutching his leg before heading to the locker room. The setback comes after a fast start to the season in which the 22-year-old scored 41 points against Portland and 31 against the Lakers.
Minnesota visits Denver tonight to begin a stretch of eight games over the next two weeks. Even with a favorable review, Edwards is expected to miss that entire run. In his absence, Julius Randle has assumed primary scoring duties, while Mike Conley, Jaylen Clark, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Bones Hyland are logging additional minutes. Head coach Chris Finch said he will rely on depth and balance until his All-Star returns.
Durability has been one of Edwards’ trademarks; he played 79 games in each of the past three seasons after appearing in 72 during each of his first two campaigns.
Nuggets
DENVER — Forward Peyton Watson is heading for restricted free agency next summer after failing to reach a rookie-scale extension with the Nuggets, he told The Denver Post. “It was just a financial business decision,” Watson said, noting that the franchise is mindful of the new collective bargaining agreement and the punitive second tax apron.
Denver recently signed Christian Braun to a five-year, $125 million deal, leaving roughly $7 million in annual space before luxury-tax penalties escalate. Assistant coach David Adelman believes the situation could benefit Watson, adding, “If he has a great year, he can put himself where he wants to.”
Celtics
BOSTON — Rookie wing Hugo Gonzalez made his first NBA start Sunday and held Pistons guard Cade Cunningham to three points on 1-for-5 shooting. Despite the defensive effort, Boston fell 119-113.
“I like Hugo’s mentality,” Jaylen Brown said, via MassLive. “He knows his role. He can play. We’re going to need more of that.” Head coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to keep Gonzalez in the rotation as the 20-year-old continues to learn the team’s defensive schemes.
Source: Hoops Wire
