Timberwolves Face Quick Turnaround as Pelicans Seek to Extend Resurgence

Timberwolves vs Pelicans

The Minnesota Timberwolves (17-17) will square off against the New Orleans Pelicans (7-29) in a crucial Western Conference matchup this Tuesday night. Set to tip off at 8:00 EST from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, this game is vital for both teams as they look to establish momentum in a competitive conference. The Timberwolves enter this game on the tail end of a back-to-back, while the Pelicans are coming off a much-needed victory over the Washington Wizards. Let’s break down the key stats, player performances, and what to expect from this intriguing matchup.

Timberwolves Face Quick Turnaround on the Road

The Timberwolves come into this game having played their previous night against the Los Angeles Clippers, meaning they will have to adjust quickly for their matchup in New Orleans. Minnesota hasn’t had to deal with many back-to-back games this season, and their performance in the few they’ve played this season has been inconsistent—losing both of their previous back-to-back contests back in November.

Despite this, the Timberwolves will lean heavily on Anthony Edwards, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The 22-year-old guard leads the team with 25.3 points per game and has been lethal from beyond the arc, shooting 42.1% on 4.1 three-pointers per game. Edwards recently set a career high with 53 points in a losing effort against Detroit, highlighting his ability to carry the offense. In addition to scoring, Edwards contributes 5.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.

The Timberwolves are missing Karl-Anthony Towns, so Julius Randle has stepped in as a key offensive and rebounding presence. Randle is putting up 20.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, including a solid 17-point, seven-rebound effort in the loss to the Pistons. Rudy Gobert, the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, remains the team’s anchor in the paint, averaging a double-double with 10.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

While Minnesota has struggled offensively, ranking 22nd in scoring with 109.2 points per game, their defense has been a bright spot, ranking 5th in the league, allowing just 108.0 points per contest. The Timberwolves will need to rely on their defense to keep this game close, especially given their relatively slow pace, sitting 26th in the league in possessions per game.

Pelicans Aim to Continue Resurgence After Ending Losing Streak

The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off back-to-back wins over the Washington Wizards, a critical bounce-back after enduring an 11-game losing streak. The team has been hit hard by injuries, with both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram sidelined, but the recent performances of CJ McCollum have provided much-needed relief.

McCollum, who has stepped into a larger offensive role, is now averaging 22.8 points per game and has been a force from beyond the arc, making 3.2 three-pointers per game on 37.8% shooting. McCollum’s scorching 50-point performance against Washington, including 10 three-pointers, helped snap the Pelicans’ prolonged losing streak. In the second game of the back-to-back against the Wizards, McCollum scored 25 points and hit six three-pointers, showcasing his consistent scoring ability.

Trey Murphy III has also emerged as a key contributor, averaging 20.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. However, Murphy is currently dealing with an ankle injury sustained during the Washington game and is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s matchup. If Murphy is unavailable, the Pelicans will lean even more heavily on McCollum, as well as Dejounte Murray, who contributes 15.4 points and 7.9 assists per game.

In the frontcourt, rookie Yves Missi has impressed with averages of 9.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Alongside Herb Jones, a strong defensive wing, the Pelicans have a solid core, but they still rank 25th in scoring defense, allowing 117.5 points per game. New Orleans will need to find a way to improve defensively if they hope to become competitive in the Western Conference.

Despite sitting at the bottom of the standings, New Orleans has improved in recent weeks, and with McCollum leading the way, they’ll look to continue their strong play. The Pelicans are ranked 28th in the league in scoring (107.5 PPG) and 16th in possessions per game, so pace will be crucial in this matchup.

Conclusion

This game will showcase two teams in the midst of different trajectories. Minnesota will rely on defense and Edwards’ scoring, while New Orleans will need McCollum’s hot hand and solid contributions from the supporting cast. The Pelicans’ defensive struggles, combined with injuries, may be too much to overcome against a Timberwolves team that thrives on stopping opponents.

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