Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) goes to shoot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) Anthony Edwards will not play on January 16, 2026, when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Toronto Raptors. The team has ruled him out due to a toe re-infection in his right foot, continuing a stretch of missed games tied to the same issue. With Minnesota in the middle of a close Western Conference race, his absence is a clear setback.Edwards has been managing foot problems since December, and while he briefly returned to action, the condition has worsened again. The Timberwolves are choosing caution, even as the schedule tightens and road games become harder to manage without their top scorer.
Why is Anthony Edwards ruled out vs Toronto Raptors (January 16, 2026)
Anthony Edwards will miss Friday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors because of a toe re-infection linked to his ongoing right foot issue. He already sat out the January 14 game against Milwaukee and remains listed as day-to-day.The injury first surfaced as foot soreness in December 2025, when Edwards missed three games. After returning, he played at a high level before the problem resurfaced this week. Team officials have not given a firm return date, but there is no indication of a long-term absence at this stage.
How the injury developed
The current setback is tied to the same foot Anthony Edwards has been dealing with for weeks. The re-infection has forced the Timberwolves to slow things down and avoid pushing him back too quickly. Medical staff continue to monitor the situation closely, with decisions being made on a game-by-game basis.Minnesota views Edwards as central to its season goals, making health the priority even during a demanding stretch of games.
Anthony’s Impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves lose their leading scorer with Edwards out. He is averaging 28.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 40.9 percent from three through 33 appearances.Minnesota enters the matchup with a 27–14 record, sitting fourth in the Western Conference. In Edwards’ absence, the offense shifts more responsibility to Rudy Gobert inside and Mike Conley as the primary ball handler. On the defensive end, Jaden McDaniels is expected to take on tougher perimeter assignments.
Edwards’ track record vs Raptors
Edwards has played well against Toronto in recent seasons, averaging 25.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over his last five games against them. Minnesota will now have to compete without that production at Scotiabank Arena.Also read: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors injury report: Injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 16, 2026)
What to watch next
Edwards remains day-to-day, and his return will depend on how quickly the infection clears. Until then, Minnesota will rely on depth and lineup adjustments as it works through a key stretch of the season.