The New Orleans Pelicans (0-2) continue to seek their first win of the season as they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) Saturday for the first of back-to-back games in Minneapolis. They tip off at 8 p.m. ET at Target Center. Below, we look at the Pelicans vs. Timberwolves odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Pelicans have kicked off the season poorly. They are still waiting for PF Zion Williamson to recover from foot surgery. Through two games, they are 25th in scoring and 26th in scoring defense. They have a net rating of -18.0, which is ahead of only three teams in the league. They are on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Timberwolves are rested. They played Wednesday and defeated the Houston Rockets 124-106. It was a three-man show in the win as C Karl-Anthony Towns had 30 points and 10 boards, F Anthony Edwards scored 29 points and PG D’Angelo Russell added 22 points and seven assists in the season-opening win. No one else scored in double figures.
Pelicans at Timberwolves odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:08 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Pelicans +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Timberwolves -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +6.5 (-102) | Timberwolves -6.5 (-122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Pelicans at Timberwolves key injuries
Pelicans
- SG Josh Hart (quad) out
Timberwolves
- None
Pelicans at Timberwolves odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 121, Pelicans 111
Money line
The Pelicans have a more balanced group, but they are not the same without Williamson. The Wolves have a great trio of Towns, Russell and Edwards, and scoring points on any given night should not be a problem.
However, PASS on the money line as you won’t make much money on the Timberwolves (-320).
Against the spread
The Pelicans failed to cover the spread in their first two games, while the Wolves covered in their season opener.
With a healthy Timberwolves squad against the Pelicans, who are missing their star, I like TIMBERWOLVES -6.5 (-122).
Over/Under
The Pelicans’ season opener stayed Under the projected total, but their next game went Over.
The Wolves’ season opener finished 2 points Under the projected total.
The Pelicans had the second-highest Over percentage in the league last season at 57.8 percent.
Take OVER 228.5 (-108).
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]