New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions January 7th 2025

New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves January 7th 2025

At 8:00 ET, the 9th place Minnesota Timberwolves (-194) will travel to take on the 15th place New Orleans Pelicans (+162). The Timberwolves are favored by 4.5 points and the over/under line is set at 220.5.

This Western Conference matchup will be played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The game will be televised on Gulf.

Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans
• Where: New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
• Date: Tuesday, January 7th
• Betting Odds MIN -4.5, MIN -194 | NO +162 O/U 220.5

The Timberwolves Can Win If…

With a 108-106 win over the Clippers on Monday, the Timberwolves improved to 18-17 on the season. Playing at home, Minnesota was favored by 2.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 214 fell just short of the 214.5-point over/under line.

The Clippers went on an 11-0 run early, but Minnesota responded by winning the 2nd quarter 30-26. They took control by outscoring the Clippers 31-23 in the 3rd quarter and edged them 31-30 in the 4th to seal the win.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to a win over the Clippers, scoring 37 points with 8 assists and 7 rebounds, hitting 6 threes at 46.2%. As a team, Minnesota made 16 threes, shooting 41% from deep, though their overall FG% was 44.6%.

Edwards was key in the 3rd and 4th quarters, scoring 15 points in the 3rd and 13 more in the 4th. Naz Reid added 18 points, while Donte DiVincenzo contributed 15 points, with 8 coming in the 3rd quarter.

The Timberwolves put together a strong defensive performance, holding the Clippers to 106 points on 41% shooting. Minnesota limited Los Angeles to 27 points in the 1st quarter, 26 in the 2nd, and just 23 in the 3rd before giving up 30 in the final period.

From beyond the arc, the Timberwolves allowed 12 threes on 34% shooting. They also sent the Clippers to the line 25 times, where they made 20 free throws. Minnesota recorded 6 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

• In their last three games away from home, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 107 points per game in these contests.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 6-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 4-6.
• Over their last three games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 0-2-1 vs. the spread.

The Pelicans Can Win If…

New Orleans improved to 7-29 on the season with a 110-98 win over the Wizards on Sunday. The Pelicans, who were -6 point favorites, covered the spread with the 12-point victory. The total score of 208 points fell well short of the O/U line of 231.5.

A key moment in the game was a 17-0 run by the Pelicans, which took the score from 22-21 to 39-21. New Orleans led 84-70 going into the 4th quarter, and although the Wizards outscored them 28-26 in the final period, the Pelicans held on for the win.

CJ McCollum led the Pelicans to a win over the Wizards with 25 points, hitting 6 threes at 54.5% efficiency. Trey Murphy added 22 points, scoring 11 in the opening quarter, while Yves Missi contributed 16 points on 80% shooting.

New Orleans made 18 threes, shooting 36.7% from deep, despite a 41.1% overall field goal percentage. Herbert Jones chipped in 7 of his 11 points in the 4th quarter.

The Pelicans put together a strong defensive performance, holding the Wizards to just 98 points in their win on Sunday. New Orleans gave up 22 points in the 1st quarter and 23 in the 2nd, followed by 25 in the 3rd and 28 in the 4th.

New Orleans limited Washington to 42% shooting, including just 26% from three-point range, where the Wizards made 11 threes. The Pelicans also sent Washington to the line 14 times, where they made 11 free throws. The Pelicans grabbed 38 defensive rebounds, allowing 9 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 8 blocks.

• Through their last three home games, New Orleans has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 110 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 0-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-2.
• In their last five games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 5-0 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Pelicans come in as the underdog at +4.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 220.5, and our model projects the Timberwolves and Pelicans to reach a combined total of 254 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Daily NBA Picks & Predictions

Pelicans Host Timberwolves with Zion Williamson Nearing Return: A Key Matchup to Watch

The New Orleans Pelicans prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated NBA clash, with Zion Williamson inching closer to his long-awaited return. This game is pivotal for both teams as they aim to build on recent momentum in their pursuit of postseason success.

Zion Williamson’s Potential Comeback Sparks Hope

Zion Williamson, sidelined for over two months due to a strained left hamstring, is listed as questionable for the game. His return could be the turning point for a Pelicans team that has struggled without their star forward.

Even if Williamson doesn’t suit up against the Timberwolves, the Pelicans have reason for optimism. After enduring a brutal 11-game losing streak and dropping 20 of 21 contests, New Orleans has now secured back-to-back wins, a first since the season’s opening games.

Pelicans Rediscover Winning Formula

The Pelicans’ recent victories against the Washington Wizards have breathed new life into their season. While the Wizards rank among the league’s weaker teams, New Orleans used these games to regain confidence and showcase their potential.

• CJ McCollum Leads the Charge: McCollum has been phenomenal, tying his career-high with 50 points in a thrilling 132-120 win on Friday. He followed that with a balanced performance in a 110-98 victory on Sunday, where multiple teammates stepped up.“Whenever we needed a point, we put the ball in his hands and he made great decisions,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green, praising McCollum’s leadership.
• Improved 3-Point Shooting: New Orleans’ season-high 18 three-pointers in both games against Washington demonstrate their evolving offensive strategy. McCollum alone has made 24 of 41 attempts from beyond the arc in the past three games, highlighting his shooting precision.

Timberwolves: Riding on Anthony Edwards’ Brilliance

The Timberwolves arrive in New Orleans after an exhilarating 108-106 home win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Breaking a three-game losing streak, Minnesota showcased resilience and a fiery second-half performance led by their young star, Anthony Edwards.

• Edwards Dominates Offensively: Scoring 28 of his 37 points in the second half against the Clippers, Edwards proved why he’s among the NBA’s rising superstars. His performance followed a career-high 53 points in a loss to Detroit, where he sank 10 of 15 three-pointers.“It’s how you finish that matters,” said Timberwolves center Naz Reid, who contributed 18 points off the bench.
• Balancing Momentum and Road Challenges: Minnesota faces a tough stretch ahead, with four of their next six games on the road. Consistency in away games will be critical as they aim to solidify their playoff positioning.

Key Matchup: CJ McCollum vs. Anthony Edwards

This game features a battle between two dynamic scorers:

• CJ McCollum: The veteran guard has been the driving force behind the Pelicans’ recent resurgence, blending scoring efficiency with leadership.
• Anthony Edwards: The Timberwolves’ explosive guard has carried his team offensively, delivering back-to-back scoring clinics.

Their head-to-head duel will likely determine the game’s outcome, with both players capable of taking over in clutch moments.

Basketball Betting Guide

Strategies and Challenges

• Pelicans’ Keys to Success:
  • Maintain 3-point shooting efficiency.
  • Leverage balanced scoring efforts to reduce over-reliance on McCollum.
  • Prepare for Zion Williamson’s eventual reintegration into the lineup, which could transform their season.
• Timberwolves’ Keys to Success:
  • Start games stronger to avoid playing catch-up.
  • Continue bench contributions from players like Naz Reid.
  • Build on Anthony Edwards’ leadership to execute in critical moments.

The Bigger Picture

This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams, who will face each other twice more in March. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson’s return—whether immediate or delayed—offers a ray of hope for overcoming their midseason struggles. For the Timberwolves, maintaining momentum from their Clippers victory is essential as they navigate a challenging road-heavy schedule.

As both teams fight for consistency, this game serves as a litmus test for their playoff ambitions. A win could set the tone for the rest of the season, making this matchup a must-watch for NBA fans.

Conclusion

The Pelicans vs. Timberwolves matchup is more than just a game—it’s a narrative of redemption, rising stars, and the relentless pursuit of victory. With Zion Williamson on the verge of returning and CJ McCollum playing at an elite level, the Pelicans are ready to reclaim their season. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, powered by Anthony Edwards, look to prove their resilience on the road.

The stakes are high, the players are primed, and the outcome is unpredictable. All eyes are on the Smoothie King Center as these two teams clash in a game that could redefine their seasons.