Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss approximately two weeks with a strained right hamstring, ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed on Monday.
The 24-year-old will be re-evaluated in a week, but early reports suggest the team plans to be cautious about its franchise cornerstone.
Edwards, who was injured just minutes into Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers, left the game after scoring five points and grabbing one rebound in limited action. Minnesota ended up winning 114-110 to move to 2-1 on the season, but losing their leading scorer was a big blow to start the new season.
The injury occurred in the opening minutes of the game, and when the Timberwolves ruled the guard out of the game, he was initially diagnosed with hamstring tightness.
The injury interrupted what was about to be another dominant season for Edwards, who had been named to two consecutive All-NBA teams and three consecutive All-Star selections.
Last season, he averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game, and shot 39.5% from beyond the arc. These statistics place him firmly among the league's elite young talents.
Minnesota will have to deal with upcoming home games against the Nuggets and Lakers without a leader, followed by a tough three-game Eastern Conference road trip against the Hornets, Nets and Knicks. Based on the original schedule, Edwards could miss seven or eight games before returning.
For a team hoping to make another deep playoff run, maintaining a rhythm early on without its most dynamic offensive weapon will be the ultimate test.
Edwards, who is entering his sixth NBA season, has been named to two consecutive All-NBA teams and an All-Star for the third consecutive season.
His time in Minnesota was quite successful, with the Timberwolves making four consecutive playoff appearances under Edwards, including two straight appearances in the Western Conference Finals.
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