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Anthony Edwards facing knee surgery – Northwest Division roundup
Anthony Edwards will undergo knee surgery and Jaren Jackson Jr. is out long term, while the Trail Blazers stayed perfect with a shootout win over the Lakers.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
The Northwest Division is dealing with major early-season injury blows just as two of its teams are racing out to hot starts.
Timberwolves: Edwards out, Freeman returns
According to CBS Sports and Hoops Rumors, Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The reports indicate he could miss up to two months, with CBS Sports describing it as a multi-month absence. The timing is rough for Minnesota, which has opened the season strong at 3-1.
Hoops Rumors also reports that the Wolves are bringing back forward Enrique Freeman on a new two-way deal. The 50th pick in the 2024 draft was waived by Minnesota 10 days ago after spending his rookie year with the Pacers, but now returns to provide depth.
Jazz: frontcourt depth takes a major hit
In Utah, the frontcourt has been rocked by bad news. Hoops Rumors relays that Jaren Jackson Jr. has been diagnosed with a torn MCL in his right knee and is expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks, though he won’t require surgery. CBS Sports notes that the injury stings even more for a Jazz team that is already short on big men following a move involving Walker Kessler. Utah is off to a 1-3 start.
Before the MRI results came in, the Associated Press reported that Lauri Markkanen (right wrist) and Jackson (knee) both underwent imaging after exiting Monday’s loss to Memphis, underscoring how fragile the Jazz’s frontcourt situation has become.
Blazers stay perfect, Jokic calls out boos
On the court, the Portland Trail Blazers kept rolling with a 136-129 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, pushing their record to 3-0 and keeping them among the early surprises in the West.
They’re still chasing the 4-0 Oklahoma City Thunder atop the Northwest, while the Denver Nuggets sit at 1-2. As Hoops Rumors notes, Nikola Jokic recently criticized Nuggets fans who booed the team during an overtime win over New Orleans in Denver, after the defending champions fell behind by 23 points in their home opener.
With Edwards sidelined in Minnesota and Jackson out in Utah, the door is temporarily open for OKC and undefeated Portland to set the tone in the Northwest race.