Eric Gordon to return Saturday vs. Timberwolves following 16-game absence

New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Eric Gordon will return to the lineup for Saturday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Jim Eichenhofer of pelicans.com.

The 27-year-old missed the previous 16 games for the Pelicans with a fractured finger.

The return of Gordon will be a huge addition to New Orleans' backcourt - a unit that's currently thin after losing Tyreke Evans to season-ending knee surgery.

Gordon is averaging 14.9 points, 2.7 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 41 games this season.

The Pelicans (23-34) currently sit 11th in the Western Conference and five-and-a-half games back of a postseason spot.