Anthony Edwards Cleared to Play for Timberwolves Against Pelicans
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been cleared to play and will start in Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center. Edwards, who had been dealing with left-elbow soreness earlier this week, successfully completed pregame checks and is officially listed in the starting lineup. His return resolves any uncertainty about Minnesota's rotation, as he remains the team's primary scoring option and a key driver of their offensive strategy from the opening tip-off.
Injury Timeline and Recovery Details
The elbow issue for Edwards originated during a drive against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1. Despite carrying the soreness into Minnesota's February 4 matchup with the Toronto Raptors, he managed to deliver an impressive 39-point performance, indicating that the injury had minimal impact on his play. Ahead of the Pelicans game, the medical staff downgraded the concern to a minor bump. Notably, Edwards does not appear on the injury report and is expected to log his usual minutes unless any complications arise before tipoff.
Impact on Timberwolves Lineup and Performance
Edwards' presence is crucial for the Timberwolves, as evidenced by their season record: 25-16 with him on the court and 6-4 without him. This disparity highlights how heavily the offense relies on his shot-creating abilities. When Edwards plays, teammates like Jaden McDaniels benefit from clearer driving lanes, Donte DiVincenzo gets more open perimeter looks, and Rudy Gobert enjoys easier scoring opportunities near the rim. Historically, Edwards has excelled against the Pelicans, averaging approximately 27 to 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game. In a standout performance in December 2025, he scored 44 points and played 47 minutes in an overtime victory.
If his elbow holds up, Minnesota will likely leverage his skills for pull-up jumpers in transition, isolation plays late in the shot clock, and consistent three-point shooting against a Pelicans defense that allows a high volume of deep attempts.
Pelicans' Defensive Strategy and Edwards' Recent Form
The Pelicans are anticipated to deploy multiple defenders against Edwards, applying on-ball pressure with quick help from the weak side. Their perimeter defense has struggled to contain elite scorers, so their focus may be on limiting his drives and forcing mid-range shots. Edwards enters the game in strong form, averaging around 37 points over his last five outings. In recent matchups with New Orleans, he has shot better than 49 percent from the field while attempting more than eight three-pointers per game.
Game Significance Ahead of All-Star Break
With the All-Star break approaching next weekend, this game offers Minnesota an opportunity to regain consistency after a stretch of mixed results. Having Edwards available helps stabilize the team as they head into the short pause in the schedule. His status also influences game expectations, with Minnesota's projected scoring rising when he is active. Sportsbooks have set his scoring line in the high-20s to low-30s, reflecting his potential impact.
In summary, Anthony Edwards is available and poised to handle his usual role. Provided his elbow remains stable, Minnesota will once again lean on him to spearhead the offense against the New Orleans Pelicans.
