New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction

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The New Orleans Pelicans (7-6) will travel to the Target Center to square off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (5-9). The game will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

New Orleans Pelicans at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Odds

Both teams covered in their last matchup. The Timberwolves (4.5-point favorites) defeated the Brooklyn Nets 120-113, while the Pelicans (9.5-point underdog) beat the Toronto Raptors 126-110. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Minnesota game went 6.5 points over the projected point total of 226.5, while the New Orleans game finished 7.5 points over the projected point total of 228.5.

The Pelicans had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 31.8 (above their season average of 25.6) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.596 (above their season average of 0.532). The Timberwolves, on the other hand, made 26 of their 31 free throws (83.9 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.588 (above their season average of 0.489). Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns had a good outing, putting up 25 points and 21 rebounds. Anthony Davis, meanwhile was a key piece for New Orleans with 25 points, 20 rebounds and six assists.

The Timberwolves dominated this series last year, winning all four games. In the last game, Minnesota won 118-107. Minnesota made 10 of their 21 three pointers (47.6 percent). New Orleans was, meanwhile, 8-33 (24.2 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Of the Pelicans’ 13 games, seven have finished over the O/U total. New Orleans holds records of 7-6 straight up (SU) and 6-7 against the spread (ATS).

Of the Timberwolves’ 14 games, 8 have finished under the total. Further, Minnesota owns records of 5-9 SU and 6-8 ATS.

The Pelicans’ Jrue Holiday has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 20.8 points, 10.0 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Towns has averaged 21.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals during that same time frame for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Minnesota ranks fifth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while New Orleans forces the fourth-fewest turnovers (12.4 percent). Additionally, the Pelicans’ fifth-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 111.3) will try to take advantage of the Timberwolves’ 30th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 113.0).

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Pick

Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Timberwolves rank 19th in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while the Pelicans rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (33.0).
  • New Orleans ranks fourth in second chance points per game (15.7) while Minnesota ranks 28th in second chance points allowed per game (17.8).
  • The Pelicans rank third in assists per game (27.1) while the Timberwolves rank 25th in assists allowed per game (25.9).
  • Minnesota accounts for 16.9 fast-break points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 26th in fast-break points given up per game (16.4).
  • New Orleans ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.8) while Minnesota ranks 14th in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
  • The Timberwolves rank second in steals allowed per game (6.4) while the Pelicans rank 25th (8.5).
  • The Pelicans rank first in points in the paint per game (60.2) while the Timberwolves rank 21st in points allowed in the paint per game (50.6).
  • New Orleans averages 16.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 18th in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6).
  • New Orleans ranks fifth in rebounds per game (48.2) while Minnesota ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (49.4).
  • New Orleans is 2-0 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 1-0.
  • The Pelicans are 7-5 when they score above 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 5-6.
  • Minnesota is 4-2 ATS at home, while New Orleans is 3-4 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 5 of the Pelicans’ 7 road games, while 4 of the Timberwolves’ 6 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, New Orleans and Minnesota are both 2-3 ATS.
  • The Pelicans have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Timberwolves have 4 unders and 1 over,
  • The Pelicans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 1.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 106.0 points per game (5.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (1.6 below their season average).