The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into a high-stakes NBA Cup matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, but they will be doing so without their primary offensive engine. Anthony Edwards has been ruled out for Friday’s contest as he continues his recovery from right knee arthroscopy, a procedure that was announced on October 28 with an expected recovery timeline of up to two months, according to Yahoo Sports.
This absence creates a massive void for a Minnesota squad that currently sits 6-3 and holds the 7th spot in the Western Conference. While the Timberwolves boast the league’s 3rd ranked defense, the loss of Edwards—who has been averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists through four games this season—forces a sudden shift in how the team manages its scoring load. The Pelicans, currently 4-4 and sitting 10th in the West, enter the game on a four-game winning streak, having recently secured back-to-back overtime victories against the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz.
The injury impact on Minnesota’s rotation
The Timberwolves’ depth is being tested on multiple fronts. Beyond the significant loss of Edwards, the team is managing several other roster uncertainties. Terrence Shannon Jr. is listed as questionable due to a left hip contusion. He has been sidelined since October 31, and if he remains out, he will have missed three consecutive contests. Should Shannon Jr. stay on the bench, Yahoo Sports reports that Jaylen Clark may see an increased role coming off the Timberwolves’ lineup.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans — no Anthony Edwards, but the deeper side against a Pelicans team on a winning run Preview · NBA · Regular season · Friday 6 November 2026 New Orleans have won four in a row, most recently 120-113 at home to Utah on Wednesday.…
Donte DiVincenzo also remains out as he recovers from right Achilles tendon surgery performed in April. The Timberwolves’ starting lineup for Friday is expected to feature Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu, Rudy Gobert, Jonathan Kuminga, and LaMelo Ball. This rotation relies heavily on the recent form of Dosunmu, who recorded 21 points and six assists in Wednesday’s win over the Houston Rockets, and LaMelo Ball, who posted 20 points and six assists in that same victory.
The bench options for Minnesota include Jaylen Clark, Trey Lyles, Bones Hyland, and Joan Beringer. This depth will be critical given that the team is attempting to secure its second NBA Cup victory after an earlier win against the Los Angeles Clippers.
New Orleans manages health concerns ahead of home opener
The Pelicans face their own set of roster hurdles as they prepare to host Minnesota at the Smoothie King Center. While the team has found momentum with four straight wins, the injury report suggests they may be playing shorthanded. Yves Missi has been ruled out due to a left knee contusion and a bone bruise, limiting his availability after playing in only two games this season.
The most significant question mark for New Orleans involves forward Trey Murphy III. He is currently listed as probable with bilateral patellar tendinopathy. Despite missing the previous game against the Jazz, he is expected to play. Murphy III has been a consistent contributor, averaging 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over seven games.
If Murphy III is sidelined, the Pelicans’ recent strategy has relied on a rotation that includes Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, Jeremiah Fears, and Karlo Matkovic. According to Athlon, Murray has been a driving force in New Orleans’ recent surge, recently recording 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a win over the Jazz. Williamson has also provided essential scoring, adding 23 points in that same matchup.
The Pelicans’ roster depth is further complicated by the status of several players on G League two-way deals. Milak Dia, Jaron Pierre Jr., and Julian Reese are all listed as doubtful. Currently, the Pelicans’ offense and defense are ranked 13th and 14th in the league, respectively, making the health of their core rotation essential to maintaining their recent winning momentum.
| Player | Team | Status | Injury Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | OUT | Right knee arthroscopy |
| Donte DiVincenzo | Timberwolves | OUT | Right Achilles tendon surgery |
| Terrence Shannon Jr. | Timberwolves | Questionable | Left hip contusion |
| Trey Murphy III | Pelicans | Probable | Bilateral patellar tendinopathy |
| Yves Missi | Pelicans | OUT | Left knee contusion/bone bruise |
The matchup serves as a vital litmus test for both franchises. For Minnesota, the challenge is proving their defensive identity can carry them through a period of offensive instability. For New Orleans, it is an opportunity to use their current momentum to climb higher in the Western Conference standings during the NBA Cup group play.
The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on KARE 11, DAZN-MIN, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+.
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