Expect a fast-paced game when the New Orleans Pelicans (6-22) travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves (10-15). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, and can be seen on Fox Sports – North.
New Orleans Pelicans at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Timberwolves (4.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers, 124-117, while the Pelicans (1-point favorites) fell to the Brooklyn Nets, 108-101. The Minnesota game finished 13.5 points over the projected point total of 227.5, while the New Orleans game finished 7.5 points under the projected point total of 216.5.
New Orleans held Brooklyn to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below their season average of 24.7) while Minnesota forced Los Angeles into a turnover percentage of 16.5 (above their season average of 13.1). Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns had a good outing, contributing 39 points and 12 rebounds. New Orleans, meanwhile, received a boost from Brandon Ingram, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won two of the four games played against each other last season. In the most recent matchup, the Pelicans won 122-117. New Orleans was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Pelicans made 27 of their 28 free throws (96.4 percent), while the Timberwolves were 16-22 (72.7 percent). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Just over half of the Pelicans’ games have finished over the total. New Orleans heads into the contest with records of 6-22 straight up (SU) and 8-17-2 against the spread (ATS).
Games involving the Timberwolves have a tendency to finish over the O/U total (64.0 percent). Additionally, Minnesota is 10-15 SU and 9-15-1 ATS.
There should be plenty of transition offense in this showdown that features a pair of the NBA’s more up-and-down teams. Minnesota currently ranks first in possessions per game (107.2) and New Orleans is fourth (106.5).
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Pelicans average 24.9 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the league. The Timberwolves rank 18th in assists allowed per game (24.2).
- New Orleans ranks fourth in fast break points per game (16.1) while Minnesota ranks 29th (10.3).
- The Timberwolves average 38.6 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Pelicans rank 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (34.7).
- Minnesota averages 46.4 rebounds per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.7).
- Minnesota ranks 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.0) while New Orleans ranks 28th (19.4).
- The Timberwolves rank sixth in points in the paint per game (50.6) while the Pelicans rank 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.1).
- The Timberwolves rank fourth in blocks per game (6.1) while the Pelicans rank 19th (4.9).
- Minnesota ranks 10th in steals per game (8.0) while New Orleans ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- Minnesota averages 14.3 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (14.5).
- Minnesota is 1-0 when they allow less than 100 points.
- When reaching the century mark, the Pelicans are 6-19 and the Timberwolves are 10-11.
- New Orleans is 3-8-2 ATS on the road, while Minnesota is 2-9-1 ATS at home.
- In 13 road games, the Pelicans have 8 overs and 5 unders.
- The Timberwolves have 7 overs and 5 unders in 12 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Pelicans are 0-4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 0-5.
- In their last five games, New Orleans has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Minnesota has 5 overs.
- During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 108.8 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 117.2 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.6, up from 3.4 for the season.
