Anthony Edwards Cleared to Play as Timberwolves Face Grizzlies Tonight
Star guard Anthony Edwards will be in action tonight when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 31, 2026. The dynamic scorer is fully available and carries no injury designation heading into this Western Conference matchup, keeping Minnesota close to full strength as they aim to extend their recent winning streak.
Edwards Returns to Full Health After Brief Absence
Anthony Edwards missed a single game earlier this week against the Golden State Warriors due to a sore right foot, but has since returned without any restrictions. In his most recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Edwards delivered an impressive performance with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists. He shot efficiently at 9-of-17 from the field and connected on four three-pointers.
The latest injury report confirms there are no limitations for Edwards, and he is expected to handle his normal offensive role against Memphis. His availability provides a significant boost to Minnesota's backcourt, especially with Memphis dealing with multiple key absences.
Timberwolves Riding Momentum Into Memphis
The Timberwolves enter tonight's contest with considerable momentum, having won three consecutive games to improve their record to 30-19. This places them seventh in the competitive Western Conference standings. Their recent victories include a notable win over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Edwards has been instrumental during this winning stretch, providing consistent scoring while contributing defensively with at least one steal and one block in each of his past two games. His two-way impact makes him a crucial component of Minnesota's success.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in a challenging position with an 18-28 record and currently mired in a five-game losing streak. The team's rotation has been significantly impacted by injuries to several key players, creating additional obstacles as they attempt to halt their slide.
Comprehensive Injury Report for Both Teams
The injury situation clearly favors Minnesota heading into tonight's matchup. Here is a detailed snapshot of player availability:
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (ACTIVE - no injury designation), Rudy Gobert (Expected to play), Julius Randle (Expected to play)
- Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant (Out - left elbow sprain), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out - toe injury), Zach Edey (Out - stress reaction in left ankle), Brandon Clarke (Out - grade 2 right calf strain), Ty Jerome (Day-to-day / doubtful - calf strain)
Minnesota's healthier roster, particularly in the backcourt, gives them a distinct advantage against a depleted Memphis squad missing their star point guard and multiple rotation players.
Defensive Challenges for Injury-Ravaged Grizzlies
With franchise cornerstone Ja Morant sidelined, the Memphis Grizzlies face the difficult task of containing Anthony Edwards on the perimeter. Edwards excels at creating his own shot and operates effectively in pick-and-roll situations, often forcing defenses to commit extra help.
When defenses collapse to contain Edwards, it typically creates opportunities for his teammates to capitalize on the resulting space. This offensive versatility makes Edwards particularly challenging to defend, especially for a Memphis team missing several defensive contributors.
Fantasy and Betting Implications
Based on his recent performance and favorable matchup against an injury-depleted Memphis defense, Anthony Edwards represents a strong option for fantasy lineups and player prop bets. His scoring ability combined with Memphis's defensive limitations suggests another high-scoring outing could be in store for the Timberwolves' star guard.
As tip-off approaches, all indications point toward Anthony Edwards playing his usual minutes and carrying his standard offensive workload. The Timberwolves arrive in superior form while the Grizzlies continue navigating a difficult stretch hampered by injuries to key personnel.
