New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves: preview and player stats (Mar 8, 2027)

Injury/Illness - Bilateral Patellar Tendinopathy (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): Murphy (knee) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. Murphy will miss a third consecutive game while nursing bilateral patellar tendinopathy. He'll aim to return in the second leg of this back-to-back set against the Nuggets on Saturday. Saddiq Bey should continue to see an expanded role with Murphy on the sidelines.

Injury/Illness - Left Ankle Sprain (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): Murray (ankle) is doubtful for Friday's game against Memphis. Murray is likely to sit out the front end of this back-to-back set with an ankle sprain. Saddiq Bey stands out as the most likely choice to join the starting lineup in Murray's stead.

Injury/Illness - Left Knee Contusion / Bone Bruise (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): Missi (knee) is out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Even though Missi has been trending in the right direction and was recently cleared to resume on-court activities, this game will come too soon for him. This means Missi will miss an 11th consecutive game while dealing with a left knee bone bruise. His next chance to play will come Saturday against the Nuggets, and in the meantime, Karlo Matkovic will remain in the starting lineup.

Injury/Illness - Left Elbow Infection (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): McGowens (elbow) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. McGowens has been downgraded from doubtful to out with a left elbow infection. He faces a quick turnaround to return ahead of Saturday's tilt against Denver.

Injury/Illness - Right Thumb Sprain (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): Mathurin (thumb) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Memphis. Mathurin now has a better chance of suiting up after being listed as doubtful. The Pelicans are likely to re-evaluate the swingman closer to Friday's tipoff, but his status may not have a major impact on the rotation.

Injury/Illness - Right Ankle Sprain (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Watford (ankle) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Friday marks a third consecutive absence for Watford, who has no timetable for a return with a sprained ankle. His absence solidifies DeAndre Jordan's spot in the center rotation.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP).

DiVincenzo (Achilles) remains confident that he'll return during the 2026-27 season, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports. DiVincenzo is approaching six months since tearing his right Achilles during the first round of the playoffs and has been rehabbing with the expectation that he'll play at some point this season. The veteran guard has sought advice from Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard during his recovery, though Minnesota has yet to establish a timetable for his return.

Edwards underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Thursday, the Timberwolves announced. Edwards underwent debridement surgery in Minnesota, though the team did not provide a timetable for his return. The star guard is expected to make a full recovery, with additional updates coming as he progresses through rehabilitation. Based on previous reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania, Edwards could miss up to two months. Edwards was off to a scorching start this season, averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals across four appearances.