Timberwolves vs. Pelicans: NBA Odds, Picks and Predictions (1/25/23)
Sports betting analyst Nick Galaida gives his best NBA pick for today’s Timberwolves vs. Pelicans game — Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.
Timberwolves vs. Pelicans Odds
- Timberwolves +3.5
- Pelicans -3.5
- Over/Under: 229
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 25
- Time: 8:00 p.m.
- TV: BSN
The Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans will meet at the Smootkie King Center this evening.
Entering play, Minnesota (24-25) owns the ninth-best record in the Western Conference, trailing New Orleans (26-22) by 2.5 games in the standings.
On Wednesday, oddsmakers are anticipating a closely-contested affair between these two teams, pricing the Pelicans as 3.5-point home favorites on the spread.
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Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
- Gobert listed as questionable
As of this afternoon, Rudy Gobert is still listed as questionable, though he appears more probable than not to take the floor this evening (after playing in Monday’s loss to the Houston Rockets). In his first game action in seven days, Gobert played 36 minutes, scoring 15 points and totaling 16 rebounds.
Per Cleaning the Glass, Minnesota ranks in the 9th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 89th percentile in defensive efficiency with Gobert on the floor this season, compared to the 91st percentile in offensive efficiency and the 18th percentile in defensive efficiency when he is on the sidelines.
- Edwards finding a groove
Following a stretch of three consecutive games from January 16 to January 19, during which Anthony Edwards shot 41.2% or worse from the field, he is 26 for 49 (53.1%) across his last two trips to the hardwood. In those two games, he scored 44 points and 31 points, respectively, adding 4.5 rebounds per game to his line as well.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
- Ingram listed as probable
According to Christian Clark, Brandon Ingram is expected to make his return to the floor on Wednesday, exactly two months since he last played on November 25 against the Memphis Grizzlies. In 15 games played this year, the Pelicans are 9-6 with Ingram in the lineup, compared to 17-16 without him.
Per Cleaning the Glass, New Orleans ranks in the 96th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 75th percentile in defensive efficiency with him on the court this season, compared to the 40th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 69th percentile in defensive efficiency with him on the sidelines.
- No rest in the bayou
Following a 99-98 loss last night, New Orleans will once again look to get back into the win column on Wednesday. Since January 6, the Pelicans are 2-8 overall, ranking 25th out of 30 teams in net rating in that span.
New Orleans has lost five consecutive games to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and the Denver Nuggets.
Per teamrankings.com, the Pelicans are 2-4 when playing on no rest this season, while 8-7 when playing at a rest disadvantage to their opponent.
Timberwolves vs. Pelicans – Picks & Prediction
Since Jan. 2, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 8-4 overall, having outscored their opponents by 2.9 points per 100 possessions in that span.
Tonight, they have a rest advantage over a New Orleans Pelicans team that will be reintegrating a high-usage player into the rotation – something that typically take a couple of games to perfect.
This is a matchup between two teams that have been trending in opposite directions during the month of January. Even on the road, the Timberwolves are a worthwhile risk for bettors on Wednesday.
- PICK: Timberwolves Moneyline (+130, Caesars)
