The Minnesota Timberwolves and the New Orleans Pelicans collide once again at the Smoothie King Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Pelicans vs Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs Timberwolves Pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in great shape as they’ve won nine of their last 13 games overall and they will be gunning for a fourth straight victory after outlasting the Pelicans in a 149-142 overtime loss on Tuesday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 44 points on 16 of 30 shooting, Rudy Gobert tallied 26 points with 13 rebounds on nine of 10 shooting, Naz Reid contributed 18 points and six assists off the bench while Julius Randle tallied 16 points with six assists. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 50 percent from the field and 20 of 51 from the 3-point line as they poured in 71 points in the second half to overcome an early 15-point deficit. They then went on a decisive 8-0 run in the overtime period to cap off a solid comeback road win.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have been in terrible form as they’ve lost 13 of their last 14 games overall and they will be hoping to arrest a four-game slide after falling short to the Timberwolves in overtime on Tuesday. Trey Murphy III led the team with 33 points, 15 rebounds and four assists on 11 of 21 shooting, Saddiq Bey added 22 points on seven of 12 shooting while Derik Queen and Jeremiah Gears each scored 21 points. As a team, the Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field and 12 of 21 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 43 points in the second quarter to take a 15-point lead. But they couldn’t put the Timberwolves away, and it eventually cost them in overtime.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The home team has won seven of the Timberwolves’ last eight games.
- The Timberwolves have lost five of their last six night games after coming off overtime.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last six games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as road favorites.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 15 games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The favorites have won 19 of the Pelicans’ last 20 games at Smoothie King Center.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Western Conference opponents after coming off overtime.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in each of their last four games as road favorites after coming off overtime.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of the Timberwolves’ last 11 night games against Southwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Nine of the Pelicans’ last 10 night games against Northwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Trey Murphy III ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for FT% (93.5%) this season.
- Jeremiah Fears is one of only four players in the league to have recorded 7+ steals in a game this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (73.8%) this season.
- Donte DiVincenzo has recorded five games with 4+ assists and zero turnovers this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for blocks per game this season (3.4).
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (15.4).
- The Timberwolves have used only three different starting fives this season – fewest in the league.
- The Timberwolves rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (34.4).
Pelicans vs Timberwolves Prediction
The Timberwolves have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the league lately, and they were able to take down the Pelicans on Tuesday despite falling into an early 15-point deficit. However, it’s always tough to beat the same team twice in a row in their own building. It’s hard to picture anything but a win for the Timberwolves in this one, but the line is still a bit too high for me. Give me the Timberwolves to get the win, but the Pelicans to cover the spread at home.