of new orleans pelicans play minnesota timberwolves At the target center February 6, 2026. Minnesota comes into the game with a better record and has already defeated New Orleans twice this season. Meanwhile, the Pelicans continue to deal with several injuries that have affected their rotation.Minnesota is well-positioned heading into this matchup. The Timberwolves will be able to use most of their key players, while the Pelicans will rely on a shorter lineup and increased playing time for their main scorer. Recent performance, roster health, and efficiency numbers all point to clear differences between the teams.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (February 6, 2026)
The New Orleans Pelicans remain without Dejounte Murray, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in early January. The player is not expected to return until at least February 20th. Other missing players have reduced the team’s depth, giving more responsibility to Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Jordan Poole, Jeremiah Fears and Jordan Hawkins.
| player | situation | Reasons/Points to note |
| dejounte murray | outside | Right Achilles tendon rupture. It is not expected to return until at least February 20th. |
| hunter dickinson | outside | G League duties/knee-related management. |
| trey alexander | outside | Two-way player/G League member. |
| Darren Terry | outside | Not the team (not related to the injury). |
| duncan robinson | probably | Left quadriceps contusion. It is stated that February 6th is likely. |
Williamson remains the primary scoring option and often draws double teams. Murphy provides the spacing and Poole does much of the shot creation despite inconsistent results. Young bigs Yves Missi and D’Eriq Queen continue to get more minutes in the frontcourt, but the team struggles with defensive rebounding and rim protection.
Injury status before Minnesota Timberwolves tip-off vs. New Orleans Pelicans (February 6, 2026)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have one player confirmed to be absent, but additional changes may be made depending on the evaluation in the second half. Anthony Edwards will lead the offense, supported by Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid.
| player | situation | Reasons/Points to note |
| terrence shannon jr. | outside | Foot injury; expected until at least February 8th. |
| Ayo Dosunmu | In-game decisions | Quadriceps problems. Status is listed as Match Time Determined. |
| Julius Randle | In-game decisions | Thumb injury. It is also written in the judgment at the time of the match. |
| julian phillips | In-game decisions | Wrist problems. Expected to be evaluated closer to tip-off. |
If Dosunmu, Randle and Phillips are available, Minnesota will have added depth on the perimeter and off the bench. If not, expect Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels and Bones Hyland to take on larger roles.
Recent matchup results between New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 2-0 against New Orleans this season. The Timberwolves won 149-142 in December and then won 125-116 at Smoothie King Center.The Wolves have won four of the last five meetings dating back to the 2024-25 season. One of those wins was a 134-93 win in March 2025. The Pelicans still have a slight edge in the all-time regular season series, but Minnesota has been favored by more than 10 points per game in recent matchups.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Team Performance and Season Numbers
Key team statistics (2025-26 season)
| metric | new orleans pelicans | minnesota timberwolves |
| Points per game | 114.5 | 119.6 |
| Opponent PPG | 121.0 | 114.8 |
| Attack power evaluation | ～109.4 | ～119.6 |
| Evaluation of defensive power | ～121.0 | ～114.8 |
| Internet evaluation | -6.5 | +4.9 |
| eFG% | 52.0% | 56.3% |
| Sales per play | 11.9% | 12.4% |
| 2 points PPG | 33.1 | 43.1 |
Minnesota scores more points and allows fewer. The Timberwolves have also become more efficient on offense, especially from 3-point shooting. New Orleans allows about 121 points while Gobert and Naz Reid lock down the defense, holding opponents to closer to 114-115 points per game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Playing Style and Key Factors
Edwards leads Minnesota’s offense in scoring in the low 20s. The Timberwolves are looking to put multiple shooters on the floor and increase the pace in transition, which could be important against a Pelicans team that frequently turns the ball over.New Orleans runs much of its offense through Williamson and his ability to attack in the paint. Murray’s absence removes a stable secondary playmaker and increases the workload for Poole and Murphy. Defensive rebounding remains an issue for the Pelicans.
Highlights of the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game (February 6, 2026)
As New Orleans strives for a stable offense, Williamson’s usage rate is expected to remain at a high level. Minnesota’s 3-point shooting is another factor, especially against a defense that struggles with shots.Bench availability can also affect the game. If Minnesota lacks rotation players, New Orleans could potentially find scoring from its second unit.Minnesota enters the game with a healthier roster, better efficiency numbers, and success in recent matchups. Based on these factors, the Timberwolves hold the advantage.New Orleans still has Williamson and enough perimeter shooting to stay within range even if Minnesota doesn’t control the pace. His eventual availability could affect the rotation, but the current outlook favors the Timberwolves.