The New Orleans Pelicans will try to start 2024 with a successful back-to-back stretch on the road when they face the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center on Wednesday.
New Orleans (20-14) is coming off an impressive 112-85 win at home over the Brooklyn Nets. The Pelicans jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first period, extended it to 25 by the half and never looked back. It was a good night to empty the bench as none of the starters played more than 26 minutes. That should help New Orleans tonight on the road.
C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas had 11 points and 12 rebounds. New Orleans had seven players reach double figures for the game and 10 players were on the floor for at least 16 minutes.
Things should get much harder tonight against the Timberwolves (24-8), who are likely to be a little motivated after a 112-106 road loss to the Knicks on Monday. In that game Minnesota struggled in at various points, the Timberwolves got outscored 71-46 in the second and third periods before making a late surge and falling just short.
It was a three-man show for the Timberwolves on Monday. Anthony Edwards led the way, scoring 35 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points and six rebounds. Rudy Gobert provided some secondary scoring with 10 points and 15 rebounds, but Minnesota got just 19 points from the bench.
Caesars Sportsbook, the official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com, lists the hosts as 6.5-point favorites with a total of 222.5.
New Orleans Pelicans at Minnesota Timberwolves
Time/TV: 7 p.m. CT (Bally Sports, NBA League Pass)
Spread (via Caesars Sportsbook): Timberwolves -6.5
Over/Under: 222.5
Moneyline: Timberwolves -278, Pelicans +222
Analysis: Normally, this would be a good spot to play the Timberwolves with the points. They are rested and don't have to worry about a flight and a quick turnaround like the Pelicans. However, the Pelicans' dominant performance Tuesday allowed so many key individuals to rest. That means they will likely be playing with a full roster on Wednesday against the West's top seed. Minnesota should still win, but 6.5 is a lot of points and the moneyline isn’t great value.
Prediction: Timberwolves 115, Pelicans 110 (Over 222.5)
Best Bet: Over 222.5 (-110 at Caesars Sportsbook)