The Pelicans are 4-4 and 10th after four straight wins, the latest an overtime grind against Utah. Friday brings a Minnesota team missing its leading scorer, and a Pelicans rotation still waiting on its own return.
Four in a row
New Orleans beat Utah 120-113 in overtime Wednesday and climbed from 11th to 10th at 4-4. Dejounte Murray played 45 minutes and scored 20, with 11 free throws and not one missed. Saddiq Bey added 22 off the bench. It was not pretty at times, but a team that opened 0-4 will take it.
Minnesota arrives short
The Timberwolves come in 6-3 and have won two straight. Their 10.9 net figure through nine games is loud, though nine games is a small sample. Anthony Edwards is out with a right knee problem, and he has played only four games, averaging 33.3 points. Terrence Shannon Jr. and Donte DiVincenzo are out too.
Murphy's status
Trey Murphy III is listed out with a knee problem, with a return projected for Friday. He has averaged 14.9 points over seven games this season, and he sits 28 points shy of 5,000 for his career. Yves Missi, out with a left knee, is projected back Sunday at the Clippers. He has played just two games this season.
Thin margins
Our tally puts the minutes lost to injury at 471 since Oct. 20, 19th most among the 30 clubs. Murphy and Missi account for 53 of those minutes today. Against Utah, Jeremiah Fears played 34 minutes and Karlo Matkovic 21, and the starters scored 69 points. Depth is carrying this streak.
Bottom line
Friday is an NBA Cup game, then come the Clippers on Nov. 8 and the Warriors on Nov. 9. The question is simple: does Murphy suit up, and does the bench keep scoring if he does not? Five straight would be the best stretch of a young season.
When do the Pelicans play the Timberwolves?
They meet Friday, Nov. 6, in New Orleans in an Emirates NBA Cup game. The Pelicans then travel to the Clippers on Nov. 8 and the Warriors on Nov. 9.
Is Anthony Edwards playing against the Pelicans?
He is listed out with a right knee problem. He has played four games this season and averaged 33.3 points.
