Is Anthony Edwards playing tonight vs the New Orleans Pelicans? Latest update on the Minnesota Timberwolves star's injury report (February 6, 2026)

Anthony Edwards will play when the Minnesota Timberwolves face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday at Target Center. The guard dealt with left-elbow soreness earlier this week but completed pregame checks and is listed in the starting lineup.His return settles any questions about Minnesota’s rotation. Edwards remains the team’s main scoring option, and his presence usually shapes how the offense runs from the start.

Anthony Edwards Injury status and recent timeline

Anthony Edwards elbow issue began during a drive against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1. He carried the soreness into Minnesota’s February 4 game against the Toronto Raptors but still finished with 39 points, showing the injury did not limit him much.Ahead of the Pelicans matchup, the medical staff downgraded the concern to a minor bump. Edwards does not appear on the injury report for this game and is expected to play his normal minutes unless a problem comes up before tipoff.

Impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves lineup

Minnesota has a 25-16 record in games Edwards has played this season and is 6-4 without him. The difference reflects how much the offense depends on his ability to create shots.When Edwards is on the floor, Jaden McDaniels often gets clearer driving lanes, Donte DiVincenzo sees more open perimeter looks, and Rudy Gobert benefits from easier chances near the rim.

Edwards has also performed well against New Orleans. In his career, he averages about 27 to 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists against the Pelicans. In December 2025, he scored 44 points and played 47 minutes in an overtime win.If the elbow responds well, Minnesota will likely rely on him for pull-up jumpers in transition, isolation possessions late in the shot clock, and steady three-point volume against a defense that allows a high number of attempts from deep.

How New Orleans may defend Anthony Edwards

The Pelicans are expected to use multiple defenders, applying on-ball pressure with quick help from the weak side. Their perimeter defense has had trouble containing high-level scorers, so limiting his drives and forcing mid-range shots could be the focus.Edwards enters the game averaging around 37 points over his last five outings. During recent matchups with New Orleans, he has shot better than 49 percent from the field while taking more than eight three-pointers per game.

Importance of the game before the All-Star break

With the All-Star break coming next weekend, the game offers Minnesota a chance to regain consistency after mixed results. Having Edwards available helps stabilize the group heading into the short pause in the schedule.His status also affects expectations around the game. Minnesota’s projected scoring rises with him active, and sportsbooks have placed his scoring line in the high-20s to low-30s.Also read: New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 6, 2026)Edwards is available and expected to handle his usual role. If the elbow holds up, Minnesota will again lean on him to lead the offense against New Orleans.