The New Orleans Pelicans (42-39) and Minnesota Timberwolves (41-40) meet Sunday at Target Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Timberwolves odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Pelicans pushed as 8-point home favorites Friday with a 113-105 win vs. the New York Knicks. G Trey Murphy III had 31 points for the 8th-place Pelicans, who will need to beat Minnesota Sunday to have any chance at avoiding the Play-In Tournament.
The Timberwolves covered the spread as 15.5-point favorites Saturday with a 151-131 win vs. the San Antonio Spurs at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. G Anthony Edwards scored 33 points for the 9th-place Timberwolves, who have a chance at finishing 8th in the Western Conference with a win Sunday.
The season series is tied 1-1 with the Timberwolves covering in both meetings and the Over hitting once. Minnesota covered as a 2-point road underdog in a 111-102 win as the Under (228) cashed in the most recent meeting Jan. 25.
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Pelicans at Timberwolves odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Timberwolves -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +2.5 (-105) | Timberwolves -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Pelicans at Timberwolves key injuries
Pelicans
- G Jose Alvarado (shin) out
- F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out
Timberwolves
- Not yet submitted
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pelicans at Timberwolves picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 111, Pelicans 110
Moneyline
PASS.
The Timberwolves (-155) should be able to edge New Orleans at home, but they’re being slightly overvalued on the moneyline. Bet the spread and/or total instead.
Against the spread
BET PELICANS +2.5 (-105).
New Orleans has more motivation to win this game since it has the possibility of avoiding the play-in round altogether. The Pelicans are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 on the road.
The Timberwolves are just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games and may struggle to match the intensity of the Pelicans, who will also have a rest advantage.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 226.5 (-105).
The Under is 5-2 in Minnesota’s last 7 games and 12-2 in New Orleans’ last 14 on the road.
The Under has hit in 6 of the last 8 meetings between these teams in Minnesota and should cash again Sunday in a low-scoring, playoff-like matchup.
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