New Orleans Pelicans (42-39) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (40-40)
The 2022-23 NBA regular season closes down Sunday, April 9, so we are breaking down the Western Conference showdown from Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to get you the best Pelicans vs. Timberwolves betting pick.
New Orleans and Minnesota split their first two encounters in 2022-23. The Pelicans won 119-118 as 6.5-point home favorites on December 28, while the Timberwolves won 111-102 as 2.5-point road underdogs on January 25.
The New Orleans Pelicans (42-39; 39-40-2 ATS) are coming off Friday’s 113-105 home victory over the New York Knicks. It was their second straight win and the ninth in 11 games. The Pelicans nearly blew a double-digit lead but hold the Knicks to 22 points in the fourth quarter.
Trey Murphy III tortured New York for 31 points on 10-for-21 shooting from the field and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. CJ McCollum tallied 23 points and four assists, while Brandon Ingram had 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven dishes. The Pels outscored the Knicks 60-46 in the paint while going 10-for-28 from beyond the arc.
“We’re watching Trey grow up right in front of us,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “He’s having a better understanding that when teams close out on him, it’s a quick decision for him getting to the basket and finishing, drawing fouls or kicking it out to teammates.”
“Way to handle your business, now we got one more game… Business trip.”
a look into the locker room after last night's W ?? pic.twitter.com/tScqD7YI9J
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 8, 2023
The Pelicans are tied with the Lakers for the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. If both teams win Sunday, the Lakers will clinch the seventh seed thanks to three wins in four games against the Pelicans this season. New Orleans is still missing Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Jose Alvarado (leg).