New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: Expect a Defensive Battle in Minneapolis
The Minnesota Timberwolves will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night in Minneapolis. Ben Rajavuori has this pegged as a low-scoring defensive matchup, and he breaks down his reasoning below. Read on and tail his best bet for Pelicans vs. Timberwolves.
Ben Rajavuori - January 3, 2024, 5:15 PM EST
5 minNew Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: Expect a Defensive Battle in Minneapolis
The Western Conference-leading Timberwolves host the Pelicans tonight from the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Wolves enter play with a 24-8 record, the second-best in the NBA and best in the conference. The Pelicans enter play with a 20-14 record, which has them in sixth place in the west. The Pelicans won the last meeting, but this is the fourth meeting of the season and the Wolves lead the season series 2-1. I'm targeting the total in this game, as it seems too high for this matchup.
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 3, 2024
- Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves Odds
- Spread: Pelicans +6 (-110), Timberwolves -6 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 222.5 (-110), U 222.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Pelicans (+210), Timberwolves (-240)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
As mentioned, this is the fourth meeting of the season, and the previous three have all gone over the total. The first meeting of the season, which was also in Target Center, had a total of 216, and it ended at 223 points. With three straight overs, the total has jumped to 222.5, which is too high for these teams.
Both teams have excellent defenses. The Timberwolves rank first in the NBA in defensive rating, while the Pelicans are 7th in defensive rating. Conversely, the Pelicans are 15th in offensive rating and the Wolves are 19th. Both teams play better on defense than on offense, and both teams have won games with great defense this season.
The Wolves are only giving up 107 points per game, the best mark in the NBA. The Pelicans are only giving up 112 per game. Even if both teams gave up their average, it would still go under by 3 points. The original total in the first meeting of the season seemed more reasonable at 216, but this total has jumped too high. At 222.5, I would advise the under. Both teams play great defense and we could see a close, low-scoring game with an intense fourth quarter with more defense than you usually see in the NBA. I think this game lands in the low 200s.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Pick: Wolves/Pelicans Under 222.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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