Pelicans Battle Timberwolves Amid Significant Injury Challenges
The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center on February 6, 2026, in a matchup where health and recent history heavily favor the home team. Minnesota enters this contest with a superior record and has already secured two victories over New Orleans earlier in the season. The Pelicans, conversely, are grappling with multiple injuries that have severely depleted their rotation and overall depth.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report: Major Absences Impact Rotation
The Pelicans continue to be without key guard Dejounte Murray, who suffered a right Achilles rupture in early January and is not expected to return until at least February 20. This significant loss has forced the team to rely heavily on a shortened lineup, increasing the minutes and responsibilities for primary scorers like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Jordan Poole. Other unavailable players include Hunter Dickinson (G-League assignment/knee management), Trey Alexander (two-way/G-League assignment), and Dalen Terry (non-injury related absence). Duncan Robinson is listed as probable with a left quadriceps contusion, offering some potential relief.
Williamson remains the focal point of the offense, often drawing double teams, while Murphy provides crucial spacing and Poole handles much of the shot creation, albeit with inconsistent results. Young frontcourt players Yves Missi and Derik Queen have seen increased minutes, but the team has struggled with defensive rebounding and rim protection, areas that could be exploited by Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Status: Mostly Healthy with Minor Concerns
The Timberwolves are in a much stronger position health-wise, with only Terrence Shannon Jr. confirmed out due to a foot injury until at least February 8. However, three players—Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps issue), Julius Randle (thumb injury), and Julian Phillips (wrist issue)—are listed as game-time decisions. Their availability could impact Minnesota's perimeter depth and bench strength. If they are unable to play, Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, and Bones Hyland are expected to take on larger roles.
Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota's high-powered offense, supported by Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid, who anchor a defense that has been effective in limiting opponents' scoring.
Recent Head-to-Head Results and Team Performance Analysis
Minnesota holds a 2-0 advantage over New Orleans this season, with victories of 149-142 in December and 125-116 at the Smoothie King Center. Extending back to the 2024-25 season, the Timberwolves have won four of the last five meetings, including a dominant 134-93 win in March 2025. While the Pelicans maintain a slight edge in the all-time regular-season series, recent matchups have favored Minnesota by more than 10 points per game on average.
Key team statistics for the 2025-26 season highlight Minnesota's superiority:
- Points per game: Minnesota averages 119.6 compared to New Orleans' 114.5.
- Opponents' points per game: Minnesota allows 114.8, while New Orleans gives up 121.0.
- Net rating: Minnesota boasts a +4.9, whereas New Orleans struggles with a -6.5.
- Effective field goal percentage: Minnesota leads with 56.3% versus New Orleans' 52.0%.
These numbers underscore Minnesota's more efficient offense and stouter defense, particularly from three-point range, where they excel against a Pelicans team that has had difficulty contesting shots.
Style of Play and Key Factors to Watch
Minnesota's offense, spearheaded by Edwards' high-scoring output, emphasizes floor spacing and transition play, which could exploit New Orleans' tendency to turn the ball over frequently. The Pelicans, on the other hand, rely heavily on Williamson's ability to attack the paint, with Murray's absence increasing the playmaking burden on Poole and Murphy.
Defensive rebounding remains a critical weakness for New Orleans, and Minnesota's ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities could be decisive. Bench availability will also play a role; if Minnesota's game-time decisions are ruled out, New Orleans might find scoring opportunities from its second unit.
Game Outlook and Final Predictions
Based on roster health, recent performance, and statistical advantages, the Timberwolves hold a clear edge heading into this matchup. Minnesota's healthier lineup, better efficiency metrics, and recent success against the Pelicans all point to a favorable outcome. However, New Orleans still possesses the firepower of Williamson and capable perimeter shooters, which could keep the game competitive if they can control the pace and minimize turnovers.
Final rotations may shift based on late injury evaluations, but the current analysis strongly favors the Minnesota Timberwolves to secure another victory over the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans.
