The New Orleans Pelicans (20-14) travel to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (24-8) on Wednesday, January 3rd. This game will be played at Target Center. The Pelicans are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Timberwolves are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Nets. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves

The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Win

In their last game, the Pelicans defeated the Nets with a final score of 112-85. As the second half got underway, the Pelicans were leading by a score of 59-34.

Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans are 20-14 overall and are 6th in the Western Conference. They have won three straight games and are in 1st place in the Southwest division.

New Orleans comes in with an overall ATS record of 19-15 so far this season. On the road, the Pelicans have an ATS record of 7-8 compared to a 12-7 record vs. the spread at home.

The Timberwolves Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Most recently, the Timberwolves lost to the Knicks with a final score of 112-106. Turning the tide, the Timberwolves picked up the win, overcoming a halftime deficit of 61-49.

Coming into today’s game against the Pelicans, the Timberwolves are 24-8 overall and have gone 2-1 in their last three games. On the road, the Timberwolves have gone 10-7 this season compared to 14-1 at home.

For this season, Minnesota has an ATS record of 15-16, along with an ongoing four game losing streak against the spread. This season, Minnesota has a 11-12 record against the spread when they are favored, and they are 4-4 when playing as underdogs.

Pelicans Offense Breakdown

The Pelicans arrive for today’s game as one of the NBA’s top offensive teams, scoring an average of 115.9 points per game (12th). Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.5 made 3’s per game. Despite struggling with their outside shot, New Orleans remains one of the better offensive units in large part to their ability to get to the charity stripe. So far, the team is averaging 19.5 made free-throws per game.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

The Timberwolves come into today’s game as the 21st ranked scoring offense at 113 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Timberwolves will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 12.1 made 3’s per game. If the Minnesota offense is going to turn things around, not only do they need to improve their outside shooting but they must do a better job protecting the ball. Currently, they are averaging 14.7 turnovers per game.

Pelicans Team Defense

Not only do the Pelicans’ overall defensive numbers look good, as they are 10th in the league in points allowed. New Orleans has also been playing well on defense of late, ranking 22nd in the league over their last three games at 99.7 PPG allowed. When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Pelicans squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 56.0% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 33.6% from downtown.

Timberwolves Team Defense

Coming into the game, the Timberwolves defense has held opposing team’s to fewer points than the league average in 25.0% of their games. Currently, they are 1st in the NBA at 107.5 points per game allowed. The Minnesota defense has allowed opponents to shoot 34.3% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 44.7% of their field goal attempts vs. Minnesota.

Key Players For The Pelicans And Timberwolves

Our projections for today’s game indicate that Brandon Ingram will be the primary scorer for the Pelicans, with 24 points and going 9/18 from the field. For the season, he has been averaging 23 points per game, in addition to 4.8 rebounds.

On the opposing side, we anticipate Anthony Edwards to be the top scorer for the Timberwolves. Our projection has him finishing the game with 24, and he is expected to secure 5 rebounds. This season, he is shooting at a field goal percentage of 45.8%, and his scoring average is 26.3 points per game.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves Trends

• When looking at their past ten road matchups, New Orleans has an ATS record of 5-5 while averaging 118 per game. The team went 6-4 overall in these games.
• Through their last five home contests, the Timberwolves offense has averaged 109 points per game while allowing an average of 114. Minnesota posted an overall record of 2-3 while going 2-3 ATS.
• Through their last three games as the underdog, the Pelicans have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
• Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have an overall record of 2-1 while going 0-3 against the spread.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves Prediction

The Pelicans come in as the underdog at +7, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 223.5 and given that our model is projecting 231 points between the teams, we like the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.