Minnesota Timberwolves (18-17) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (7-29)
January 7, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: New Orleans Pelicans +4.5; Over/Under: 223
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans meet Tuesday in NBA action at the Smoothie King Center. Here’s a Pelicans vs Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs Timberwolves Pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Pistons, beat the Clippers, and they play the Magic, Grizzlies, and Wizards next. The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 109.2 points on 45.8 percent shooting and allowing 108 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 25.3 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 20.1 points and 4.5 assists. Naz Reid is the third double-digit scorer and Rudy Gobert is grabbing 10.3 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.9 percent from beyond the arc and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 34.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.1 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Heat, beat the Wizards, and they play the Trail Blazers, 76ers, and Celtics next. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 107.5 points on 44.2 percent shooting and allowing 117.5 points on 48.6 percent shooting. CJ McCollum is averaging 22.8 points and 3.8 rebounds, while Zion Williamson is averaging 22.7 points and 8 rebounds. Brandon Ingram is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.7 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 33.9 percent from beyond the arc and 77.2 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 36.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.6 rebounds per game.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Timberwolves have lost three of their last four games as favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four road games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in four of their last five home games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last eight games against Western Conference opponents.
- The favorites have won each of the Pelicans’ last 13 games.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games as road favorites against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games at Smoothie King Center following a road win.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Pelicans’ last nine games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last five games as favorites against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Pelicans vs Timberwolves Prediction
The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to be favored for obvious reasons, but the value is with the Pelicans and the points. The Timberwolves are on the end of a back-to-back, a game where they struggled with the Clippers. Before that, the Timberwolves had lost six of their last nine games. I just don’t get great vibes from this Timberwolves squad right now. The New Orleans Pelicans season is over in terms of playoffs, but they’ve won two straight games, got Jose Alvarado back and there’s rumblings Zion could return this week. For the first time this year, the Pelicans have a reason to be hopeful. Well, until I guess the trade deadline when some of these names are moved. Anyway, give me the Pels and the free buckets.
