The New Orleans Pelicans will look to get back in the win column as they try to claw their way out of the cellar.
The Pelicans are just 3-15 and in such a deep hole that it might not matter when Zion Williamson returns.
The Pels are coming off a lackluster road loss to the Pacers after beating the Clippers the night before and looking for a brief moment like they might go on a run.
The Timberwolves are hot, having won three in a row to improve their record to 7-9 overall, good for the 10th spot in the Western Conference. The ‘Wolves should give the Pels some hope that they can put together a couple of good weeks and get back into the mix for the play-in tournament.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Timberwolves: Odds, spread and over/under
According to WynnBET, the Pelicans are three point underdogs at home to the Timberwolves. Being underdogs at home against the 10th seed who doesn’t even have a .500 record is not a great sign of faith from the books.
The money lines are set at +125 for the Pelicans and -145 for the Timberwolves. Like I always say, I stay away from points if I think the underdog can win, as you get a better pay off betting the money line.
The over/under is 215 combined points. These two teams have had some huge scoring games in the past and the Timberwolves just scored 138 in a route of the Grizzlies last night, but the Pelicans are inconsistent offensively and are still shorthanded. I’d stay away from this one, but if I had to bet it, I’d take the under with the T’Wolves on the second game of a back-to-back and the Pelicans not scoring much.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Timberwolves: Predictions and best fantasy bets
Keep playing Jonas Valanciunas until he gives you a reason to stop. He just keeps piling up big numbers as the Pels’ second option and has added a three-point shot to his bag.
Karl-Anthony Towns is a gifted scorer, but JV should be able to get his on the other end. The Pels and ‘Wolves split back-to-back games earlier in the season and JV was huge in both of them.
Josh Hart is a good low-cost play, as he’s been on a roll, scoring in double digits for 4-of-6 games and logging three double-doubles in that stretch. Hart is averaging a career-high 3.4 assists, which gives him more fantasy value. I like him against the Timberwolves tonight.
Brandon Ingram has had some huge games against Minnesota in his career and had big numbers in the two this season and is always a strong play.
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves: How to watch
You can catch tonight’s game on Bally Sports New Orleans or listen on ESPN 100.3 FM. The game is back to the normal start time of 7:00 PM at Smoothie King Center.