Check out our free Timberwolves vs Pelicans pick and preview for this NBA game in New Orleans. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Timberwolves vs Pelicans NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans
- Where: New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
- Date: Wednesday, December 28th
- Betting Odds NO -7, MIN +230 | NO -293 O/U 233.0
So far, the Timberwolves have put together an overall record of 16-18, while going 13-21-0 vs the spread. Over the Timberwolves current 3 game losing streak, they have an average scoring differential of -6.67 points per game.
Minnesota is trying to bounce back from a 113-110 loss to the Heat. Going into this game, the team was 0 point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS loss. Minnesota was not able to turn things around in the 2nd half, as they trailed the Heat by 3 going into halftime. In the loss, Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring with 29 points on a field goal percentage of 68.8%.
So far, the Pelicans have put together an overall record of 21-12, while going 18-15-0 vs the spread. The Pelicans entered today’s game having picked up 3 straight wins. This has come on an average scoring differential of 10.67 points per game.
The Pelicans will look to keep things rolling, as they previously beat the Pacers by a score of 113-93. Heading into the game, they were 2 point favorites against the spread, giving them an ATS win. New Orleans went on to win the game, as they led by 19 heading into halftime. In the win, Naji Marshall led the team in scoring with 22 points on a field goal percentage of 57.1%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
In addition to ending their head-to-head series in a split, the Timberwolves and Pelicans both had records of 2-2 in the games New Orleans. Last year, the Timberwolves saw a drop in overall scoring when playing the Pelicans, averaging 107.25 points per game. While the Timberwolves struggled on offense in the series, the Pelicans maintained their usual level of scoring at 105.0 vs Minnesota. Spanning across the last 5 head-to-head matchups, the Timberwolves and Pelicans have been competitive, with an average margin of victory sitting at just 1 points per game. This has resulted in a 2-1-2 ATS record for New Orleans. A combined average of 225 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
The Minnesota offense will take the floor in today’s game with the league’s 12th ranked offense at 114.6 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Timberwolves will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.2 made 3’s per game. One reason that they are still scoring at a high rate, is the fact that they are ranked 6th in the NBA in possessions per contest. These increased opportunites have helped make up for the lack of outside shooting.
On defense, the Timberwolves will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 24th ranked unit in points allowed per game.
Shooting Guard Anthony Edwards currently leads the Timberwolves at 23.4 points per game. For the season, he is 41st in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 21.0% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Edwards is averaging 6.0 boards and 4.5 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 12th ranked defense at defending shooting guards. D’Angelo Russell enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 32 games, he is averaging 16.5 and is 131st in the league in player efficiency rating.
Through 33 games, New Orleans is the 2nd best scoring team at 117.8 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.4 made 3’s per game. If the New Orleans offense is going to turn things around, not only do they need to improve their outside shooting but they must do a better job protecting the ball. Currently, they are averaging 14.6 turnovers per game.
Defensively, New Orleans has had its problems giving up an average of 110.28 points per game (13th).
Power-Foward Zion Williamson currently leads the Pelicans at 25.2 points per game. For the season, he is 29th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 17.9% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Williamson is averaging 7.2 boards and 4.7 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 3rd ranked defense at defending power-fowards. CJ McCollum enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 29 games, he is averaging 19.3 and is 145th in the league in player efficiency rating.
Timberwolves vs Pelicans Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Pelicans -7
- Free Total Prediction: Under 233.0
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