Pelicans vs. Timberwolves Wednesday NBA injury report, odds: With Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum out, spread nearly doubles in Minnesota's favor

In some ways, Wednesday's home game against New Orleans set up as a bit of a trap for the Minnesota Timberwolves after Minnesota handed the NBA championship-favored Celtics their first loss of the season Monday. However, the chances of the Timberwolves losing Wednesday are now very slim with the news that New Orleans will be without stars Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Herbert Jones, one of the league's best defenders, could also miss the game for the Pelicans. The Wolves had been -5.5 on the SportsLine consensus but are now -10.

It's no surprise that McCollum is out as he was diagnosed with a small pneumothorax in his right lung Sunday – a collapsed lung. A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. The air pushes on the outside of your lung and makes it collapse.

McCollum dealt with a similar issue in his right lung in the 2021-22 season and missed 18 games. It's not really clear how this new injury happened as he did play Saturday night in Atlanta but missed Monday's game in Denver. McCollum is averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game this season. He's led the team in scoring and assists four times each. New Orleans was already thin in the backcourt with Jose Alvarado and swingman Trey Murphy yet to play this season. Both are dealing with injuries and will remain out Wednesday.

Williamson is not hurt (knock on wood) but out due to a personal matter – it is known that he is expecting the birth of his daughter this month. He's averaging 21.8 points on 50.5% shooting along with 7.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Williamson leads the team in total offensive rebounds, free throw attempts and free throws made. It's too bad he's out as it's always fun to see him match up with Minnesota star Karl-Anthony Towns, a fellow former No. 1 pick.

Brandon Ingram will the top option for the Pelicans with Williamson and McCollum out and has an over/under of 40.5 points + rebounds + assists, by far the highest of any player in this game. His points-only total is 27.5. Ingram hasn't scored more than 26 yet this season.

Jones is listed as questionable with a right fibula contusion after Nuggets center Nikola Jokic fell on Jones' leg in Monday's game. Jones was able to stay in the game. He is one of two players in the NBA to average at least 1.5 steals per game and 1.5 blocks per game this season and is tied for third in total charges drawn with four.

Minnesota has no key players in jeopardy for the first meeting of the season between the clubs. New Orleans won two of three last season. 

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