Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: Injury Report, Starting 5s, Betting Odds & Spreads - December 28 | 2022-23 NBA Season
The Minnesota Timberwolves (16-18) are coming into tonight's game on a three-game losing skid. Their opponents tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans (21-12), are on the polar opposite side of momentum right now thanks to their three-game winning streak.
The Timberwolves' most recent defeat saw them fall in a razor-thin 113-110 clash with the Miami Heat. The Pelicans, meanwhile, trounced the Indiana Pacers 113-93 earlier this week. Needless to say, the Timberwolves are in dire need of a win over the surging Pelicans tonight.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans Match Details
Fixture: Timberwolves @ Pelicans
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 28, 08:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Lousiana
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
On the Timberwolves' front, center Karl-Anthony Towns is out with a calf injury. Point guard Jordan McLaughlin is also out with a calf injury. Small forward Kyle Anderson is questionable due to back spasms. Power forward Taurean Prince is out with a shoulder injury.
On the Pelicans' end, power/small forward EJ Liddell remains out with long-term knee problems. Power forward Zion Williamson is questionable due to conditioning issues. Shooting guard Trey Murphy III is probable despite illness. Shooting guard/small forward Dyson Daniels is also probable despite illness. Small forward Herbert Jones is questionable due to COVID-19 protocols. Small forward Brandon Ingram is out due to a toe injury.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds & Spreads
Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans Starting 5s
Timberwolves - PG: D'Angelo Russell, SG: Austin Rivers, SF: Anthony Edwards, PF: Jaden McDaniels, C: Rudy Gobert
Pelicans - PG: CJ McCollum, SG: Trey Murphy, SF: Naji Marshall, PF: Zion Williamson, C: Jonas Valanciunas
Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Prediction
The Timberwolves struggled on the defensive end of the court in their recent defeat against the Miami Heat. On offense, the team have been passable but are missing a few key players at the moment due to injuries. Their success on the road this season has been mixed.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are the superior team but they're in serious danger of not having team MVP Zion Williamson on the court tonight. They have plenty of momentum right now after breaking their four-game skid earlier this month. Better still, they will enjoy the home-court advantage tonight. Even with Williamson potentially being out, they have a strong offensive unit in place. While their defense is nothing spectacular, they should be able to trouble the ailing Timberwolves en route to a close victory.
Prediction: Pelicans -6.5 (-110)
Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins