New Orleans Pelicans (4-3) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 11/8/2023 – The New Orleans Pelicans are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in what promises to be an engaging matchup this Wednesday evening. With the Pelicans holding a 4-3 record and the Timberwolves slightly ahead at 4-2, each team will be looking to cement a strong start to the season. This encounter at the Target Center, will be one to watch for fans and bettors alike, promising to be a highlight in this week’s NBA weekly picks.
The Pelicans, hovering above the .500 mark, demonstrate an offensive competency with an average of 109.3 points per game. They’ve been strong on the boards with 43 rebounds per game and show a penchant for moving the ball with 23.3 assists per game. Their shooting efficiency, at a 45.4% field goal percentage, indicates a respectable offensive operation, although their three-point percentage at 33.9% suggests room for improvement from beyond the arc. However, turnovers at 12.7 per game remain a concern and could prove costly against a Minnesota team that capitalizes on such mistakes.
Conversely, the Minnesota Timberwolves have shown a slightly more prolific scoring ability, averaging 110 points per game, and boast a higher field goal percentage at 47.4%. Their 3-point shooting efficiency is notably superior at 36.7%, which may stretch the Pelicans’ defense. Additionally, Minnesota’s defensive prowess is reflected in their 6.3 blocks and 8 steals per game, contributing to their winning record. While they exceed the Pelicans in turnovers, this aggressive play style has yet to detract significantly from their overall performance.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 11/8/2023 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Target Center |
| TV: | BSN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Zion Williamson (PF) vs. Anthony Edwards (SG)
Zion Williamson, playing the power forward position for the Pelicans, has made a notable impact early in the season. With 32 minutes per game, he’s averaging 21.8 points and 7 rebounds, alongside a solid 4.7 assists, underscoring his dual-threat capability as a scorer and a playmaker. Despite these contributions, Williamson’s turnover rate of 2 per game and foul rate might limit his aggression on the court, potentially affecting the game’s outcome.
Anthony Edwards, at the shooting guard spot for the Timberwolves, has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 28.2 points in nearly 36 minutes on the court. His rebounding and assists figures are commendable for his position, but the 3.7 turnovers per game indicate a possible vulnerability. Edwards’s dynamic play has been a key factor in Minnesota’s successful start, and his performance could very well be the barometer for his team’s success in this matchup.
The clash between Williamson and Edwards could be the pivot around which this game turns. Williamson’s power and inside play against Edwards’s agility and scoring flair will provide a captivating contrast. Both players are central to their teams’ structures, and how they manage to perform under pressure against each other will offer critical insights into the game’s direction.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Minnesota Timberwolves -265, Total Odds: 220
The current betting odds position the Timberwolves as the favorites, with a -7 spread suggesting confidence in their ability to cover a significant margin. The total of 220 reflects the anticipated scoring output, though both teams have a tendency towards games ending UNDER this total.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
The Pelicans’ recent form shows a strong trend toward the UNDER in totals betting, which aligns with their 13-7 straight-up record in their last 20 games. However, bettors should be wary of New Orleans’ 1-4 record against the spread in recent games against Minnesota, suggesting difficulties in covering when these two teams meet.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
Minnesota’s 4-1 against the spread record in their last five games paints them as a robust pick for spread bettors. The UNDER has also been prevalent in their recent contests, possibly indicating a defensive intensity that could trouble the Pelicans, especially considering the Timberwolves’ unbeaten streak ATS at home.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 11/8/23 Betting Picks
Given the trends and stats, this game is poised to be a closely contested battle. The Timberwolves might have the edge due to their home-court advantage and strong ATS record. Still, the Pelicans’ ability to keep games close should not be underestimated, particularly if they can manage their turnover issue.
Top handicapper selections would likely lean towards the Timberwolves to cover and the total points to go UNDER. Yet, with the dynamic play of Williamson and Edwards, expect some variance that could shift the momentum—and the betting outcomes—throughout the contest.
Free Pick and Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves 108, New Orleans Pelicans 103