The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at the Target Center on Friday night. Here’s a Timberwolves vs Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Timberwolves vs Pelicans Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans looked like they were starting to heat up, but they’ve gone cold again with four losses in their last five games overall. They will be looking to snap a three-game slide after falling just short to the Bucks in a 141-137 loss on Wednesday. Trey Murphy III drained a career-high 12 3-pointers to finish with 44 points, six rebounds and six assists on 15 of 28 shooting, Saddiq Bey added 22 points while Zion Williamson chipped in with 20 points and eight assists. As a team, the Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field and a sizzling 24 of 46 from the 3-point line as they poured in 70 points in the first half to jump out in front, but they never put the Bucks away. It cost them in overtime where the Bucks opened with a 7-2 run to snatch the game away.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been in great form as they’ve won five of their last six games overall and they will be eager to stay hot after sneaking past the Raptors in a 128-126 road win on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, Bones Hyland added 20 points off the bench, Jaden McDaniels scored 19 points; and Julius Randle chipped in with 17 points. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field and 16 of 39 from the 3-point line as they got off to a poor start and allowed the Raptors to explode for 72 points in the first half. However, the Timberwolves stayed within striking distance and made their move with a crucial 6-0 run with just 2:00 left in the fourth quarter to escape with the narrow win after trailing by as many as 18 points in the first half.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 10 games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last 12 Friday home games.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine Friday games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in each of their last seven Friday home games.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The underdogs have won three of the Timberwolves’ last four games at Target Center.
- The Timberwolves have lost five of their last nine games as home favorites against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last seven road games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four home games against teams that held a losing record.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the last nine games between the Pelicans and Timberwolves have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last four games at Target Center have gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (70.6%) this season.
- Anthony Edwards has scored 25+ points in four consecutive appearances – equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
- Zion Williamson ranks 2nd amongst qualified Forwards for FG% (57.4%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves have used only six different starting fives this season – fewest in the league.
- The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.9).
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from a HT deficit this season – trailed by 22 points vs Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (3032) this season.
Timberwolves vs Pelicans Prediction
The Pelicans are still missing Dejounte Murray, while the Timberwolves are keeping an eye on Julius Randle, Julian Phillips, and Ayo Dosunmu, who are all listed as game-time decisions. The Pelicans have been struggling lately despite being relatively healthy, and their confidence took another gut shot after getting beaten by the slumping Bucks in overtime on Wednesday. In contrast, the Timberwolves are starting to heat up again, and they looked great in their comeback win over the Raptors in their last outing. So, I am comfortable laying this many points with the Timberwolves at home in this spot.