Timberwolves Face Suns as Illness Clouds Availability of Key Players

The Minnesota Timberwolves return home Monday night looking to build momentum after edging out the Los Angeles Clippers in a tight contest over the weekend. Sitting in the thick of the Western Conference mix, the Wolves have shown resilience through early-season challenges and hope to keep that trend alive against the visiting Phoenix Suns.

But Minnesota’s preparations took a hit earlier in the day when two players were added to the injury report with illness. Leading scorer Anthony Edwards and emerging rotation guard Terrence Shannon Jr. were both absent from morning shootaround, raising questions about their availability just hours before tipoff.

Their status looms large, particularly Edwards’, whose presence dictates the pace and identity of Minnesota’s offense. Without him, the Timberwolves often struggle to generate efficient scoring or late-game stability, a factor that could become crucial in a matchup already layered with recent history.

The Wolves also enter the rematch seeking redemption after a painful collapse against the Suns earlier this season. That earlier misstep adds urgency to a game that Minnesota hopes will mark another step forward in its early campaign.

1. Illness Sidelines Two Key Contributors

Hours before Monday’s game, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski reported that Edwards and Shannon Jr. had both been added to the injury report due to illness and were absent from team shootaround. The updates cast immediate doubt on Minnesota’s rotation plans ahead of a matchup against a Suns team that has already beaten them once this year. Edwards’ uncertain status carries the greatest weight. As Minnesota’s offensive catalyst and emotional anchor, his ability to attack the rim and control defensive matchups often sets the tone for the entire roster. His absence typically forces the Wolves into more predictable sets and heavier reliance on secondary scoring options. Shannon Jr.’s potential absence is also notable, albeit in a different context. After surprising many with a breakout showing in last season’s Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City, he has carved out a consistent role off the bench. His athleticism and shot creation have provided valuable bench depth in key stretches. With both players questionable, head coach Chris Finch may be forced to adjust lineups, redistribute minutes, and rely more heavily on veterans and frontcourt creators.

2. A Chance to Correct an Early-Season Collapse

Minnesota’s motivation extends beyond the immediate injury concerns. The Wolves are still carrying the memory of a late-game collapse in their first meeting with Phoenix earlier this season. In that contest, Minnesota unraveled in the final minute, missing free throws, committing turnovers, and giving away a game they had largely controlled. Anthony Edwards’ pair of missed free throws in the closing seconds stood out as a rare lapse for the All-Star guard. Additional turnovers created transition opportunities for Phoenix, culminating in a buzzer-beating game-winner from Collin Gillespie that stunned the Target Center crowd. The loss was one of Minnesota’s most frustrating early-season outcomes, a game marked by preventable mistakes and wavering execution. Monday’s matchup offers a chance to correct that narrative and measure how much the team has grown since that stumble. Whether Edwards is available will influence the tone of the rematch, but regardless, Minnesota is expected to approach the game with the focus of a team eager to erase a lingering frustration.

3. Suns Arrive Shorthanded as Minnesota Awaits Clarity

Phoenix enters the meeting dealing with injury issues of its own. The Suns will be without star guard Devin Booker, a key absence that will shift offensive responsibilities to other perimeter players. Dillon Brooks is also listed as questionable, further complicating the Suns’ lineup structure. For Minnesota, the uncertainty surrounding Edwards and Shannon Jr. adds an unpredictable layer. Should Edwards ultimately sit, the Wolves will likely turn to players such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Conley to shoulder more offensive creation. Defensive rotations may also tighten as Finch tries to keep matchups balanced against a Suns roster still capable of high-level shotmaking. The game tipped for 7:30 p.m. ET is expected to draw added attention given the teams’ recent history, contrasting roster conditions, and Minnesota’s effort to maintain pace in a competitive Western race. With both sides managing injuries, depth and execution may determine the outcome. Regardless of personnel availability, the Wolves view this contest as a valuable measuring point in their early-season trajectory.