The Minnesota Timberwolves (18-17) travel to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (7-29) on Tuesday, January 7th. This game will be played at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans and televised on Gulf. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Timberwolves vs Pelicans

The Timberwolves Are Coming Off A Win

The Timberwolves improved to 18-17 on the season with a 108-106 win over the Clippers on Monday. Minnesota, playing at home, was favored by 2.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The total score of 214 points fell just under the 214.5-point line.

After the Clippers went on an 11-0 run early, the Timberwolves fought back, winning the 2nd quarter 30-26 and the 3rd quarter 31-23. They entered the 4th quarter with a 77-76 lead and edged out the Clippers 31-30 in the final period.

The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Win

The Pelicans improved to 7-29 on the season with a 110-98 win over the Wizards on Sunday. New Orleans, favored by six points, covered the spread, while the game’s total of 208 points fell well short of the 231.5-point line.

A key moment came when the Pelicans went on a 17-0 run, stretching the score from 22-21 to 39-21. They led 84-70 going into the 4th quarter, and although Washington outscored them 28-26 in the final period, New Orleans held on for the win.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to a win over the Clippers with 37 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, hitting 6 threes at a 46.2% rate. He scored 15 points in the 3rd quarter and added 13 more in the 4th.

The Timberwolves hit 16 threes as a team, shooting 41% from deep, though their overall field goal percentage was 44.6%. Naz Reid contributed 18 points, while Donte DiVincenzo added 15, with 8 of those coming in the 3rd quarter.

Pelicans Offense Breakdown

CJ McCollum knocked down 6 threes at a 54.5% clip, leading the Pelicans with 25 points and 3 assists in their win over the Wizards. Trey Murphy added 22 points, hitting 4 threes, while Yves Missi contributed 16 points on 80% shooting.

New Orleans hit 18 threes as a team, shooting 36.7% from deep and 41.1% overall. Herbert Jones scored 7 of his 11 points in the 4th quarter, and McCollum added 6 points in the final frame.

Timberwolves Team Defense

The Timberwolves put together a strong defensive effort, holding the Clippers to 106 points on 41% shooting. Minnesota gave up 27 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 3rd, allowing just 23 points. The Clippers scored 30 in the 4th, but the Timberwolves held on for the win.

From beyond the arc, Minnesota limited the Clippers to 12 threes on 34% shooting. They also sent the Clippers to the line 25 times, where they made 20 free throws. The Timberwolves finished with 38 defensive rebounds, gave up 14 offensive boards, and recorded 6 steals and 5 blocks.

Pelicans Team Defense

The Timberwolves held the Clippers to 106 points on Monday, giving up 27 points in the 1st quarter and 30 in the 4th, but they were strong defensively in the 2nd and 3rd, allowing just 26 and 23 points, respectively.

Defensively, they limited the Clippers to 41% shooting, including 34% from beyond the arc, where the Clippers made 12 threes. The Timberwolves also recorded 6 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

Timberwolves vs Pelicans Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 5-5 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 106 points per game in these contests.
• In their last ten games at home, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 1-9 while going 4-6 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 106 points per game in these contests.
• Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 0-10. But, their mark vs the spread was just 4-6.
• The last five games that Minnesota was favored, they have an ATS mark of 0-5 while going 2-3 straight up.

Timberwolves vs Pelicans Prediction

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +4.5, the Pelicans is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 220.5 and our model has the Timberwolves and Pelicans finishing with a combined 254 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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

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* 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.