The Minnesota Timberwolves have confirmed that Kevin Martin faces a spell on the sidelines with a broken thumb.

Martin, who has averaged 19 points per game this season, suffered the injury in the closing stages of the loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

A team statement confirmed that an x-ray revealed a non-displaced fracture in the left thumb, but the Timberwolves have refused to set a timetable for his recovery.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Chase Budinger, Alexey Shved could all be given increased minutes on the court as a result of Martin's injury.