Pelicans vs. Timberwolves: Odds, predictions and best fantasy bets

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.