These 2 matchups will decide Pelicans vs. Timberwolves

The New Orleans Pelicans will try to inch closer to the final play-in spot tonight at home vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Pelicans are still just two games behind Portland for the 10th spot, and six games behind the Timberwolves, who have won four in a row.

According to WynnBET, the Pelicans are 3.5 point underdogs at home against the streaking Timberwolves, who have run it up on the Rockets and Thunder in their most recent wins.

The Pelicans are coming off a tough loss to the Toronto Raptors which they had to play without Josh Hart, who almost certainly would have swung the game in their favor.

Hart will be back tonight and will be key if the Pels are going to get a much-needed win at home.

Here are the two matchups that will decide if that happens.

Pelicans vs. Timberwolves: Key matchups

Josh Hart vs. D’Angelo Russell

Josh Hart has been the Pels’ glue guy this season and they will need him to have a big game tonight, especially on the defensive end.

He will likely be defending D’Angelo Russell, who is the 3rd-leading scorer on the ‘Wolves, averaging 18.7 points per game.

Hart will need to use his strength advantage to play Russell physically and make it difficult to get to his spots.

On the other end, he needs to take it right at him, as Hart has been brilliant at the rim this season, averaging 60 percent on 2-point attempts and over 70 percent in the restricted area.

Hart also needs to get out and run, as he has been great at grabbing defensive rebounds and taking it end-to-end.

Making Russell work will be key and if Hart can slow him down, the Pelicans can get a win tonight.

Herb Jones vs. Anthony Edwards

I assume Karl-Anthony Towns is going to get his tonight vs. the Pelicans, as Jonas Valanciunas has a hard time with guys who can step away from the paint, which makes stopping Anthony Edwards even more important for the Pels.

Herb Jones has found a new level defensively since the last time these two teams played and will relish the opportunity to go at Edwards.

Edwards can score from all three levels, so Herb needs to keep him in front of him and force him into contested mid-range shots. I’d also like to see Herb go right at him (when Edwards is defending him), as Jones has an underrated offensive game and can get to the rim against this team.

This is a game the New Orleans Pelicans need to win to stay in the hunt for the play-in and these two matchups will be key.