The Minnesota Timberwolves (5-9) square off with the New Orleans Pelicans (7-6) at the Target Center. The game can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction
The Pelicans come in on a high note after topping the Toronto Raptors in their last matchup, 126-110, as 9.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (236) were over the O/U total of 228.5. New Orleans’ 31.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Toronto, who had a rate of 24.5. The Pelicans’ mark was above their season average of 25.6. New Orleans was led by Anthony Davis, who put up 25 points, 20 rebounds and six assists.
In the Timberwolves’ last game, they were victorious over the Brooklyn Nets, 120-113, covering as 4.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (233) finished over the O/U total of 226.5. Minnesota was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Timberwolves made 26 of their 31 free throws (83.9 percent), while the Nets were just 15-22 (68.2 percent). Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota in scoring with 25 points on 9-for-11 shooting from the field.
After the Timberwolves won all four games against the Pelicans last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Minnesota won 118-107. Minnesota had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.558 vs. 0.455). New Orleans, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.1 vs. 26.7).
New Orleans heads into the game with records of 7-6 straight up (SU) and 6-7 against the spread (ATS). Of the Pelicans’ 13 games, seven have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 5-9 SU and 6-8 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 14 games, 8 have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jrue Holiday (20.8 points, 10.0 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals) has been great for the Pelicans while Towns (21.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals) has made great contributions to the Timberwolves.
Minnesota could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Minnesota ranks fifth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while New Orleans forces the fourth-fewest turnovers (12.4 percent). Moreover, the Pelicans rank fifth in offensive efficiency (111.3), while the Timberwolves rank 30th in defensive efficiency (113.0).
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
New Orleans is 3-4 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS at home with 4 overs and 2 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Minnesota is 1-0 and New Orleans is 2-0.
The Timberwolves are 5-6 when they reach 100 points, while the Pelicans are 7-5.
New Orleans averages 15.7 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 28th in second chance points allowed per game (17.8).
The Timberwolves rank second in steals allowed per game (6.4) while the Pelicans rank 25th (8.5).
New Orleans ranks fifth in rebounds per game (48.2) while Minnesota ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (49.4).
The Pelicans average 27.1 assists per game, which ranks third in the league. The Timberwolves rank 25th in assists allowed per game (25.9).
Minnesota accounts for 16.9 fast break points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. New Orleans ranks 26th in fast break points given up per game (16.4).
The Pelicans average 60.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks first in the league. The Timberwolves rank 21st in points allowed in the paint per game (50.6).
New Orleans ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.8) while Minnesota ranks 14th in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
The Timberwolves average 29.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 19th in the league. The Pelicans rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (33.0).
New Orleans averages 16.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 18th in the league. Minnesota ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five contests, New Orleans is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Pelicans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 106.0 points per game (5.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
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