Pelicans vs. Timberwolves prediction and odds for Sunday, April 9 (Pels undervalued)

The New Orleans Pelicans still have a shot to avoid the league’s play-in tournament, as they hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Los Angeles Clippers in the final game of the season.

New Orleans opened as a 3.5-point underdog against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are likely going to end up in the No. 9 spot in the West.

The Pelicans have a ton to play for in this game, yet they are set as underdogs against the Wolves, who are playing the second game of a back-to-back.

After all the injuries the Pels have dealt with (mainly to Zion Williamson), avoiding the play-in tournament this season would be a huge win.

Here’s a breakdown of the odds and my best bet for this game:

Pelicans vs. Timberwolves odds, spread and total

Pelicans vs. Timberwolves prediction and pick

The Pelicans have struggled on the road this season, but the Wolves come into this game at just 21-19 at home.

Minnesota is also the worst team in the NBA against the spread as a home favorite, going 7-17 ATS this season.

The Wolves have a tight turnaround, traveling from yesterday’s game in San Antonio to play at home in this one.

I think the Pelicans can at least cover as underdogs, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they won this game outright. New Orleans, the Clippers, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers all are in a must-win situation on Sunday to get the best seed possible.

I’ll take the points against this Minnesota team all day.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.