The Minnesota Timberwolves will begin their six-game homestand with a clash against the New Orleans Pelicans. Friday’s clash at Target Center marks the third of four meetings between the teams, with the Timberwolves leading the regular-season series 2-0.
The Timberwolves-Pelicans clash is set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The live telecast will be available on FDSN and Gulf Coast Sports. Fans can watch the contest via livestream on NBA League Pass and Fubo TV (restrictions may apply).
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds
Moneyline: Pelicans (+375) vs Timberwolves (-500)
Spread: Pelicans +10.5 (-110) vs Timberwolves -10.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): O235.5 (-110) vs U235.5 (-110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are based on available information at the time of publication.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans wrap up their four-game road trip on Friday, with this rough stretch coming to an end in Minneapolis. They have dropped all three previous games on the trip, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, and Milwaukee Bucks by an average of 7.0 points per game.
That skid has pushed New Orleans to a 13-40 record, leaving them just half a game above last place in the Western Conference standings.
Minnesota, on the other hand, has found its rhythm after a difficult spell in mid-January. Following a five-game losing streak from Jan. 16 to Jan. 25, the Timberwolves have won five of their last six games, including an impressive 123-111 victory over the OKC Thunder.
Anthony Edwards stole the spotlight the first time these teams met this season. In the Dec. 2 matchup, he exploded for 44 points and led Minnesota to a 149-142 overtime win. Two days later, the Wolves clinched a far less dramatic victory. They took control of the lead in the fourth quarter and closed out a 125-116 win, led by Julius Randle’s 28 points and nine rebounds.
The Pelicans simply do not have the scoring depth to realistically threaten Minnesota. The Timberwolves have been excellent at home with a 17-8 record, while New Orleans has struggled on the road at 5-21. All signs point to this being a comfortable night for the Timberwolves.
Prediction: Expect the Timberwolves to win by 17 points.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineups
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are expected to start with Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson and Derik Queen.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ projected starting lineup includes Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Tips
- Anthony Edwards O/U 29.5 points – Take the under
- Zion Williamson O/U 20.5 points – Take the under
- Rudy Gobert O/U 11.5 rebounds – Take the over
- Derik Queen O/U 3.5 assists – Take the over
Read More: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Prediction, Preview, Odds (Feb. 6) | 2025-26 NBA Season
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