Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans, NBA 2024-25 Season, Today Match Prediction

Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Basteball Odds

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Minnesota Timberwolves

With a 40-31 record, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 3rd in the Northwest division and 8th in the Western Conference. They are coming off a 115-119 loss against the Pelicans in their recent outing. This should have been an easy win for Minnesota but the Wolves couldn’t handle the Pelicans and were never able to establish a comfortable lead against the Pelicans.

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 29 points, Julius Randle added 17 and Mike Conley scored 16. The Timberwolves have lost two straight after winning eight in a row and have dropped a full game behind the Warriors. Minnesota is in a battle with Golden State for the No.6 seed in the West. Offensively, Minnesota averages 113.4 points per game on 46.3% shooting from the field. Their 3-point efficiency sits at 37.8% and is a key weapon alongside their ball movement, evident in their 25.9 assists per game. They have been shooting 79.2% from the free throw line.

Defensively, they have Rudy Gobert anchoring the paint, leading to 4.9 blocks per game and 8.2 steals. However, they commit 13.8 turnovers, giving opponents transition opportunities and allowing opponents 109.4 points per game. Their rebounding is at 44.0, which could use some improvement if they want to dominate the rim. Anthony Edwards continues to be the main scorer for the Timberwolves and has scored 28 or more points in each of the last five games. He is expected to lead the team on offense.

New Orleans Pelicans

With a 19-51 record, the New Orleans Pelicans are currently 5th in the Southwest division and 14th in the Western Conference. They are coming off a surprising 119-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last outing, putting an end to their three-game losing streak. Zion Williamson scored 29 points and CJ McCollum added 18 for the Pelicans. Williamson was the dominant force on offense and had plenty of help, where six different Pelicans scored in double figures against a Timberwolves team that statistically has been one of the better defenses in the league this season.

Offensively, the Pelicans average 110.4 points per game and have efficiency from the three-point range at around 34.6%, which falls amongst the lowest in the league. They show some ball movement with 25.5 assists per game. Their field goal percentage is at 45.0%. They have been shooting 76.0% from the free throw line.

Defensively, the Pelicans average 43.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating control over the boards, and forcing 13.6 turnovers at a competitive rate but allowing 119.8 points on average. They also average 5.4 blocks and 8.7 steals per game, showcasing their ability to create extra possessions through defensive stops. CJ McCollum has been the Pelicans main scorer in the last two games, scoring 26 or more points in each. Injury- Herbert Jones, Dejounte Murray, Brandon Boston, Trey Murphy III.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineups

Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Prediction & Analysis

This matchup marks the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The Timberwolves aim to rebound from their recent losses and leverage their home-court advantage to regain momentum. Conversely, the Pelicans will strive to build on their recent victory and disrupt the Timberwolves playoff aspirations.

The Timberwolves won three of their last five home games, where they scored 126.4 points per game on average. While the Pelicans, who are 7-28 on the road, have won two of their last five road games, where they scored 118.8 points per game on average.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES vs NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Winning Prediction

Considering the Timberwolves overall stronger season performance and the Pelicans injury challenges, Minnesota is favoured to win this matchup. However, the Pelicans recent victory over the Timberwolves indicates potential competitiveness, suggesting that the game could be closely contested.

Minnesota Timberwolves to Win!

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