The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into a high-stakes NBA Cup matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans this Friday, but they are doing so while missing one of the most explosive offensive forces in the league. Anthony Edwards is officially out for the contest following right knee arthroscopy, a setback that was first detailed on October 28 when it was announced he would likely be sidelined for up to two months.
This absence shifts the entire complexion of the Timberwolves’ rotation. Edwards has been a statistical juggernaut through four games this season, averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Without his scoring gravity, the burden falls heavily on a starting lineup that now features Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu, Rudy Gobert, Jonathan Kuminga, and LaMelo Ball. The Timberwolves hold a 6-3 record and sit 7th in the Western Conference, driven by a top-three ranked defense.
Minnesota’s depth faces a secondary test
The injury list for Minnesota extends beyond Edwards. Donte DiVincenzo remains out as he recovers from right Achilles tendon surgery performed in April, a complication stemming from the first round of the NBA playoffs. Terrence Shannon Jr. is listed as questionable due to a left hip contusion.
The stakes for Minnesota are more than just a single win. They are looking to secure their second NBA Cup victory, having already defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in their opening Cup game. To maintain their momentum, they will need their bench contributors—specifically Bones Hyland, Trey Lyles, and Joan Beringer—to step up against a Pelicans team that is finding its rhythm.
New Orleans manages roster gaps
While Minnesota deals with the loss of a superstar, the New Orleans Pelicans are riding a wave of recent momentum. After a difficult 0-4 start to the season, the Pelicans have won four straight games, bringing their record to 4-4 and lifting them to 10th in the Western Conference. They are coming off consecutive overtime wins against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Utah Jazz, making this their first appearance in the NBA Cup group play.
The Pelicans’ recent surge has been driven by standout individual performances. Dejounte Murray led the way in Wednesday’s victory over the Jazz with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Zion Williamson contributed 23 points.
The Pelicans will be without Yves Missi, who is ruled out due to a left knee contusion and bone bruise. There is also uncertainty regarding Trey Murphy III. While he missed the previous game against the Jazz, he is currently listed as probable with bilateral patellar tendinopathy. If Murphy is unable to suit up, the Pelicans will likely rely on the rotation used in their recent overtime win, which featured Saddiq Bey, Derik Queen, Trendon Watford, and Bennedict Mathurin all playing significant minutes.
Key players face injuries ahead of Friday matchup
The following table outlines the availability of key players heading into the Friday night matchup at the Smoothie King Center:
| 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 |
| Yves Missi | Pelicans | OUT | Left knee contusion/bone bruise |
| Trey Murphy III | Pelicans | Probable | Bilateral patellar tendinopathy |
For the Pelicans, the loss of Missi is felt in the interior, where he had been contributing 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in just two games. Conversely, the Timberwolves must find a way to replicate the production of Edwards, whose 33.3 points per game represent a massive portion of their 8th-ranked offense.
The matchup presents a fascinating clash of styles and circumstances. One team is a defensively elite squad fighting to stay afloat without its primary engine, while the other is a resilient group attempting to prove that their mid-season turnaround is not a fluke. As the game begins at 8 PM ET, the outcome will likely depend on whether the depth players in Minnesota can withstand the scoring pressure of Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray.
