Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Prediction, Best Bet, Latest NBA Summer League Odds - Thursday, July 9th
Minnesota and New Orleans open Thursday’s NBA Summer League slate at 3:30 PM ET with the Timberwolves favored by 3.5 and the total sitting at 179.5. The Pelicans’ decision to keep Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen off the roster removes two major young creation pieces, making the under the strongest angle in a game that could take time to find rhythm.
Peter Alexis - July 9, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadTimberwolves vs. Pelicans Prediction: Will We See a Defensive Battle in NBA Summer League Opener on Thursday Afternoon?
The Minnesota Timberwolves face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, July 9, at 3:30 PM ET at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. Minnesota is a 3.5-point favorite at -168 on the moneyline, while New Orleans is +3.5 with a +136 moneyline price and the total is set at 179.5.
Early Summer League games are always difficult to handicap because rotations are unstable, offensive chemistry is still forming and teams often prioritize evaluation over clean late-game execution. That matters even more here, with New Orleans leaving Fears and Queen off the roster and Minnesota leaning on a mix of younger frontcourt pieces, second-year prospects and undrafted guards.
Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, July 9. 2026
- Time: 3:30 PM ET
- How to Watch: Prime Video
Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Odds
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Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Prediction
Minnesota was one of the better Summer League teams last year, finishing 4-1 behind a strong group led by Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller. Shannon averaged 22.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists, while Dillingham added 17.3 points and 6.5 assists. Those players are not the engine of this roster, but Minnesota’s development structure was strong, and that matters when projecting early Summer League readiness.
The current Wolves roster still has continuity in the frontcourt. Joan Beringer is back after averaging 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in last year’s Summer League, while Rocco Zikarsky returns as a 7-foot-3 rim-protection piece. Enrique Freeman also gives Minnesota an experienced interior option after a productive G League season, and 2026 second-rounder Trey Kaufman-Renn adds another physical forward who can score around the basket.
New Orleans has a more uncertain offensive profile. Jaron Pierre Jr. is the new drafted name to watch after landing in the second round, while Hunter Dickinson, Kobe Bufkin, Malik Dia, Jalon Moore, Micah Peavy and Markquis Nowell give the Pelicans size and some backcourt experience. The issue is that the highest-upside NBA creation pieces are not here, and without Fears or Queen, New Orleans may have to grind through possessions with a roster that looks more functional than explosive.
Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Best Bet
- Pick: Under 179.5 Total Points (-110) Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
That makes the total more appealing than either side. Minnesota has the better case as a favorite, but its roster construction still points toward size, defensive activity and half-court reps rather than a wide-open scoring environment. New Orleans should have enough physicality to compete, but not enough proven shot creation to make this feel like a clean over spot.
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