The Minnesota Timberwolves may be without their leading scorer for their most important game of the season.
Guard Anthony Edwards received his 18th technical foul during Friday night’s 117–91 win over the Brooklyn Nets, triggering an automatic one-game suspension under NBA rules. Unless the league rescinds the call, Edwards will miss Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz.
“I’m praying they rescind it,” Edwards said postgame. “I don’t feel like it should’ve been a tech.”
Incident Breakdown
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The technical came in the second quarter after Edwards was whistled for a foul defending Keon Johnson.
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Edwards spread his arms and used profanity while arguing the call.
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Crew chief Bill Kennedy confirmed after the game that the tech was assessed for “profanity directed toward an official.”
High Stakes for Minnesota
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The Timberwolves (48–33) are in a logjam in the Western Conference standings.
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With a win and help, they could still secure the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage in the first round.
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A loss, however, could drop them as low as the No. 8 seed and force them into a road play-in game.
Edwards already missed one game earlier this season due to suspension — a loss to the Jazz on February 28.
“We’ll try to see if he can appeal it,” center Rudy Gobert said. “If not, everyone’s going to have to step up.”
Will the NBA Rescind It?
The league has the authority to rescind technical fouls following postgame review. Edwards and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch both indicated the gesture was not aggressive or demonstrative enough to merit the call.
Edwards has racked up six fines this season totaling $320,000, mostly for on-court language and conduct.
What’s Next
If the technical foul stands, Minnesota will go into Sunday’s finale without its leading scorer, emotional leader, and best perimeter defender. The decision could swing not just one game — but the Timberwolves’ playoff trajectory.
The league’s ruling is expected within 24 hours.
