MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau spent part of his pregame media session Friday praising New Orleans’ roster depth. That depth will be put to the test in a big way at Target Center, because six Pelicans on the team’s 15-man roster will be unavailable for the Western Conference matchup.
Pelicans counterpart Alvin Gentry confirmed that recent starter Terrence Jones (thumb), along with reserves Tyreke Evans (ankle), E’Twaun Moore (personal) and Alexis Ajinca (personal), will not be in uniform against the Timberwolves. That leaves New Orleans (20-33, tied with Minnesota) with just nine players tonight, because Quincy Pondexter (knee) is out and Cheick Diallo is on a D-League assignment.