deadspin: wolves brace for anthony edwards’ absence as they face yaxel lendeborg and warriors

Minnesota adjusts without Edwards

Edwards’ injury comes after a strong start to the season. He scored 47 points in Monday’s 127-125 overtime defeat to Cleveland, shooting 19-for-34. Jaden McDaniels is averaging 15 points, while LaMelo Ball has 14.8 points and a team-leading 6.3 assists. Terrence Shannon Jr. is contributing 13 points per game off the bench.

Shannon earns coach’s praise

Coach Chris Finch said Shannon has made progress, particularly in defending without fouling. Finch added that stronger rebounding is the main area the guard still needs to improve.

Minnesota will look to its available players as it hosts Golden State. The team faces a potentially lengthy stretch without Edwards, whose reported recovery could last as long as two months.

Warriors build around young pair

Golden State coach Steve Kerr remains upbeat despite the team opening with three straight losses. The Warriors earned their first win Monday against Denver, where Brandin Podziemski and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg showed promise together.

Lendeborg is averaging 21.8 points on 45% shooting, along with 9.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists, through four NBA games. He was listed as questionable Tuesday because of left foot inflammation and soreness.

Stephen Curry leads Golden State with 23.7 points per game while shooting 52.6% from the field. Podziemski is averaging 18 points, and Kerr said the young players still have aspects of the NBA game to learn.