Edwards to Return for Timberwolves vs Knicks After Hamstring Strain

Anthony Edwards will return to the Minnesota Timberwolves lineup Wednesday night in New York, ending a four-game absence caused by a strained right hamstring that sidelined the All-Star guard since Oct. 26. Edwards was cleared to play after passing a series of on-court contact drills and full-team workouts at practice this week, coach Chris Finch and the team’s medical staff said.

Edwards strained the hamstring about three minutes into Minnesota’s season opener against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 26 and missed the next four games while completing a rehabilitation program. He was cleared for full contact activities on Monday, practiced Tuesday and stayed after to test his hamstring against other players. The Wolves’ medical and athletic training staff confirmed there were no adverse effects Wednesday morning before listing him as available for the game at Madison Square Garden.

The 24-year-old guard has averaged 25.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists across three appearances this season, though those totals are skewed by the three-minute outing in Indiana. In the two full games he played, Edwards scored 41 points in Portland and 31 points against the Lakers, averaging 36 points...