Pelicans, Timberwolves Sit Key Players in Regular Season Finale

Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle among notable absences in Sunday's matchup

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:42pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the shapes and movements of a basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and line.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the final regular season matchup between the Pelicans and Timberwolves, with key players sidelined as both teams prepare for the playoffs.New Orleans Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans will both be without several key players, including Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, as they face off in the final game of the regular season on Sunday night.

Why it matters

With both teams already locked into their playoff positions, the focus shifts to managing injuries and resting players ahead of the postseason. The absences of stars like Edwards and Randle will provide opportunities for other players to step up and make their case for more playing time in the playoffs.

The details

The Timberwolves will be without Edwards due to right knee injury management, while Randle will sit out with a right hand injury. The Pelicans will also be missing several players, including Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, as they continue to recover from various injuries.

  • The Timberwolves and Pelicans will face off on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
  • Edwards and Randle have both been ruled out for Sunday's game.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A 24-year-old guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who was named an NBA All-Star in 2025.

Julius Randle

A 31-year-old forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who was acquired in a trade from the New York Knicks in 2024.

Zion Williamson

A 25-year-old forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who has struggled with injuries throughout his career but is considered one of the most talented young players in the NBA.

Trey Murphy III

A 23-year-old forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who was drafted in the first round in 2021 and has emerged as a key contributor for the team.

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What they’re saying

“We want to make sure our guys are as healthy as possible heading into the playoffs, so we're going to take a cautious approach with some of our key players in this final game.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“It's disappointing to be without Zion and Trey for the final game, but we need to prioritize their long-term health and recovery. This is an opportunity for some of our younger guys to get more playing time and show what they can do.”

— Willie Green, Head Coach, New Orleans Pelicans

What’s next

Both teams will turn their attention to the NBA playoffs, where they will look to make deep runs despite the absences of some of their top players in the regular season finale.

The takeaway

With the playoffs on the horizon, teams are prioritizing the health and rest of their star players over the final regular season game. While the Pelicans-Timberwolves matchup may lack some of the star power, it will provide opportunities for younger and role players to step up and make their case for more playing time in the postseason.