In recent NBA news, the New Orleans Pelicans have listed All-star center DeMarcus Cousins as a starter for Sunday evening's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending Cousins' absence after just one game.

Cousins is expected to return to the lineup after missing Friday's game against the Houston Rockets -where the Pelicans won 128-112 - with a sore left knee and a rib bruise.

According to NBA.com, the Pelicans have officially listed Cousins as questionable before tonight's game against the Timberwolves, where they confirmed that he will indeed be playing. Medical results have shown negative and Cousins has been cleared to participate in basketball activities again.

Cousins currently plays his normal center position whenever he is paired with fellow All-Star forward Anthony Davis is in the game with him and then subsequently moves to the power forward role from time-to-time when given the opportunity. Cousins is currently is averaging 26.7 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this season.

New Orleans is currently 3-7 with Cousins in the lineup ever since trading for him on February 19. Since the trade, he has already missed two games; one game due to a suspension after garnering his 19th technical foul and now the recent one - the Pelicans have won both of those games.

New Orleans, currently 28-41, is at the 10th place in the West and is currently fighting for a spot in the upcoming playoffs. The Minnesota Timberwolves (28-40) on the other hand is right below the Pels and are also looking towards the 8th spot.

According to NOLA.com, with Cousins back, the Pelicans' lineup would feature Point guard Jrue Holiday (15.7 ppg, 4.0 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.6 SPG); shooting guard E'Twaun Moore (9.8 ppg, 2.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG); small forward Solomon Hill (6.9 ppg, 3.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG); power forward Anthony Davis (27.8 ppg, 11.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 2.2 BPG); and DeMarcus Cousins playing at center (20.7 ppg, 11.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 BPG). A win tonight would push the Pels' playoff hopes even further.

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