The Timberwolves acquired an enormous break on Saturday as they purpose to keep away from the Western Convention play-in event.
After initially showing as if they’d be with out star capturing guard Anthony Edwards as a consequence of a suspension after he picked up his 18th technical foul on Friday, the NBA rescinded the preliminary ruling, permitting the three-time All-Star to play in Sunday’s regular-season finale.
Edwards has began 78 video games this season and is averaging a career-high 27.4 factors per recreation on 44.7 p.c capturing, together with 39.5 p.c from three-point vary on 10.2 makes an attempt per recreation.
The Timberwolves (48-33, seventh in Western Convention) play the Jazz (17-64, fifteenth in Western Convention) in a recreation that might have main playoff ramifications. With a win, Minnesota will end within the prime six of the Western Convention standings and advance to the primary spherical of the playoffs with out going by means of the play-in event first.
The Wolves may need been positive with out Edwards, contemplating they’re scheduled to play the West’s worst group, however having their star out there ought to squash issues a few potential upset.
After choosing up the technical foul on Friday, Edwards spoke with reporters about what led to the decision.
“They referred to as a foul, and I mentioned, “The place was the effin’ foul, and [the ref] gave me a tech.” Edwards mentioned. “I hope they have a look at it and rescind it so I can play in a few days.”
Edwards’ availability will increase the probability that the loser of Sunday’s Warriors-Clippers recreation will end the common season outdoors of the highest six. The Nuggets even have an outdoor probability of ending No. 7, however with their opponent Sunday, the Rockets, already clinching the convention’s No. 2 seed, they’ve a positive matchup.
Final season, the Timberwolves reached the Western Convention Finals, the place they misplaced in 5 video games to the Mavericks. Edwards has had one of many biggest begins to a postseason profession in NBA historical past. Per Stathead, he is one among 5 gamers with a minimum of 750 factors, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in his first 27 playoff video games, becoming a member of Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Professional Basketball Corridor of Famers Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady.
Sunday’s recreation towards the Jazz is not a must-win for Minnesota, however a loss may result in a untimely finish to its season with consecutive play-in event defeats.
With Edwards not exiled due to his technical foul accumulation, the Timberwolves will doubtless keep away from that destiny. As a substitute, Edwards ought to be capable of add one other chapter to his already-impressive playoff resume.
