Anthony Edwards Ruled Out for Timberwolves-Raptors Clash
The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Toronto Raptors on Friday, January 16, 2026, without their star player Anthony Edwards. The team officially ruled him out because of a toe re-infection in his right foot. This continues a frustrating pattern of missed games connected to the same persistent issue.
Injury Timeline and Current Status
Edwards first experienced foot soreness back in December 2025. That initial problem caused him to miss three games. He made a successful return to the court and played at an elite level for several weeks. Unfortunately, the condition has flared up again this week, leading to this latest setback.
The re-infection forced him to sit out the game against Milwaukee on January 14. Medical staff have listed him as day-to-day moving forward. Team officials emphasize they are taking a cautious approach. They want to avoid rushing him back too soon, even with the schedule becoming more difficult.
There is no firm return date announced yet. However, the team has indicated they do not believe this will be a long-term absence. All decisions regarding his playing time will be made on a game-by-game basis as his recovery progresses.
Impact on the Timberwolves' Season
Losing Edwards is a significant blow for Minnesota. The team finds itself in the thick of a tight Western Conference race. They currently hold a 27–14 record, good for fourth place. Edwards is their undisputed offensive leader and top scorer.
His season averages are impressive:
- 28.9 points per game
- 5.0 rebounds per game
- 3.8 assists per game
- 40.9% shooting from three-point range
Without him, the offensive burden will shift to other key players. Rudy Gobert will need to provide more scoring inside the paint. Veteran point guard Mike Conley will handle increased playmaking duties. On defense, Jaden McDaniels is expected to guard the opponent's best perimeter player.
Historical Performance Against Toronto
Edwards has typically played very well against the Raptors. Over his last five meetings with Toronto, he averaged:
- 25.4 points
- 6.2 rebounds
- 4.0 assists
Minnesota will certainly miss that level of production on the road at Scotiabank Arena. The team must now find a way to win without their primary offensive weapon during a critical part of the season.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus for the Timberwolves is managing this game without their star. The long-term focus remains on getting Edwards fully healthy. The team views him as central to achieving their season goals. Therefore, protecting his health is the absolute priority, even during this demanding stretch.
Fans and analysts will watch closely for updates on his condition. His return will depend entirely on how quickly the toe infection clears up. Until then, Minnesota will rely on its depth and strategic adjustments to navigate this challenging period.
