The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. The game is set for Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 8:30 PM. Fans can catch the action on FDSN.
The Pelicans have had a tough season with a record of 26-55. In their recent games, they lost to the Boston Celtics by 26 points. They did, however, secure a win against the Utah Jazz by 19 points. Jeremiah Fears has been a standout player, scoring 40 points against the Jazz.
The Timberwolves have a strong record of 48-33. They recently won against the Houston Rockets by 4 points. Before that, they lost to the Orlando Magic by 12 points. Kyle Anderson played well against the Rockets, contributing 17 points and 9 assists.
Timberwolves Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves are led by head coach Chris Finch. They play in the Western Conference and are part of the Northwest Division. This season, they have a record of 48 wins and 33 losses. At home, they have won 25 games and lost 15.
In their recent games, the Timberwolves won against the Houston Rockets with a score of 136-132. Kyle Anderson, Jaden McDaniels, and Donte DiVincenzo were key players in this game. They also played against the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers, winning against the Pacers 124-104.
During the 2026 regular season, the Timberwolves scored an average of 117.8 points per game. They ranked 7th in the league for points per game and field goal percentage. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.9, placing them 6th in that category.
On defense, the Timberwolves allowed 114.5 points per game, ranking 11th in the league. They were strong in limiting opponents’ field goal percentage, ranking 7th. The team also ranked 5th in effective field goal percentage allowed, showing their defensive strength.
Pelicans Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans had a challenging season with a record of 26-55. They played better at home, winning 17 out of 41 games. On the road, they struggled more, winning only 9 games. Their recent performance shows a losing streak of one game.
In their last game against the Boston Celtics, the Pelicans lost by 26 points. Jeremiah Fears scored 36 points and had 6 assists. Derik Queen contributed with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the team could not secure a win.
Earlier, the Pelicans had a strong performance against the Utah Jazz, winning by 19 points. Jeremiah Fears again led with 40 points. Jordan Hawkins added 25 points, and Derik Queen had 17 points and 12 rebounds. This game showed their potential when playing at home.
Throughout the season, the Pelicans averaged 115.4 points per game. They ranked 16th in points per game and 11th in possessions per game. Defensively, they allowed 119.9 points per game, ranking 24th. The team will look to improve these numbers in future seasons.
Statistical Breakdown for Timberwolves vs Pelicans
The Timberwolves and Pelicans have different strengths and weaknesses that will shape this game. The Timberwolves have a strong offense, ranking 7th in points per game and field goal percentage. Their defense is also solid, allowing 114.5 points per game. The Pelicans, on the other hand, struggle defensively, allowing 119.9 points per game. They rank lower in field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage. The Timberwolves’ ability to score efficiently and defend well could be key against the Pelicans’ weaker defense.
- Timberwolves Points Per Game: 117.8 (7th)
- Pelicans Points Per Game: 115.4 (16th)
- Timberwolves Field Goal Percentage: 48.1 (7th)
- Pelicans Field Goal Percentage: 46.6 (19th)
- Timberwolves Points Per Game Allowed: 114.5 (11th)
- Pelicans Points Per Game Allowed: 119.9 (24th)
- Timberwolves Effective Field Goal Percentage: 55.9 (6th)
- Pelicans Effective Field Goal Percentage: 52.8 (27th)
Betting Insights
Betting on this game offers some interesting angles. Both teams have shown patterns in their recent games that could influence your betting decisions. Below are the top trends to consider for this matchup.
- The away team has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.
- The home team has gone over the total in 3 of their last 4 games.
- The away team has gone under the total in 6 of their last 7 games.
- The home team has covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 home games.
- The away team has gone over the total in 2 of their last 3 away games.
Free Betting Prediction for Timberwolves vs Pelicans
The Timberwolves have a strong record this season, especially at home. They have won 25 home games and show solid offensive and defensive stats. Their ability to score efficiently and limit opponents’ scoring makes them a tough team to beat. Against the Pelicans, who have struggled on the road, the Timberwolves have an advantage.
The Pelicans have had a tough season, with only 9 road wins. Their defense has been a weak point, allowing nearly 120 points per game. While they have some standout players like Jeremiah Fears, their overall performance has been inconsistent. Playing against a strong team like the Timberwolves will be challenging for them.
Considering the Timberwolves’ strong home performance and the Pelicans’ road struggles, the Timberwolves are likely to win. The spread of -6.5 for the Timberwolves seems reasonable given their strengths. The total points could go over 234.5, considering both teams’ scoring abilities.
- Our Free Prediction: Timberwolves -6.5
