The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a heartbreaking 137–141 overtime loss on the road to the Milwaukee Bucks, but the defeat did little to overshadow a historic individual performance. Trey Murphy III delivered the game of his career, exploding for 44 points and drilling 12 three-pointers, tying the fifth-most made threes in a single NBA game.
Zion Williamson was equally impactful in his own way, finishing with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. His relentless rim pressure repeatedly collapsed Milwaukee’s defense, especially in the fourth quarter, where his drives consistently generated high-quality looks and free throws.
Despite those flashes, the Pelicans remain firmly in tank mode. Sitting at 13–40, second from bottom in the Western Conference, New Orleans have little incentive to chase wins as the season winds down.
Minnesota, on the other hand, just snapped back in dramatic fashion. The Timberwolves pulled off a 128–126 road comeback win over the Toronto Raptors, powered by a dominant fourth quarter from Anthony Edwards. Edwards poured in 22 points in the final period alone, finishing with 39 points to single-handedly flip the game. The win was a crucial response to recent criticism surrounding the team’s competitiveness and head coach Chris Finch.
Off the court, however, Minnesota remain in flux. Veteran point guard Mike Conley was recently moved to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal, creating a trade exception. There are also growing rumors that the Timberwolves could pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, a move that would almost certainly require parting with Jaden McDaniels. Combined with the fatigue from a long road trip, Minnesota’s roster stability and focus are legitimate concerns.
Odds & Handicap Analysis
Market | Line | Market Insight |
|---|---|---|
Point Spread | Timberwolves -4.5 | Wolves favored, but margin looks inflated |
Moneyline | Pelicans +160 / Wolves -190 | Public leaning Minnesota |
Total Points | 231.5 | Expect offense-heavy pace |
Situational Angle | Wolves off road trip | Spot favors underdog |
While Minnesota carry the stronger brand name and momentum from their comeback win, situational factors weigh against them. New Orleans are playing freely with zero pressure, while Minnesota must balance internal changes, trade noise and travel fatigue.
Betting Verdict
This sets up as a classic letdown spot for the Timberwolves. With the Pelicans catching points at home and showing scoring upside — especially from the perimeter — the value lies on the underdog side. Even as a rebuilding team, New Orleans are well-positioned to stay competitive and potentially steal the game outright.
Spread Recommendation: Timberwolves -4.5 ❌
Best Bet: Pelicans +4.5 (Home Underdog)
