The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated matchup. This meeting takes place on Friday at 8 p.m. EST in Minneapolis. As the Pelicans come off a thrilling overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Timberwolves look to solidify their position in the Western Conference.
Recent Performance Overview
The Pelicans, currently 13-40, rank 14th in the Western Conference. They previously lost to the Bucks 141-137, with Trey Murphy III showcasing an impressive performance by scoring 44 points. Conversely, the Timberwolves hold a record of 32-20 and sit fifth in the conference.
Scoring Statistics
- Pelicans: Averaging 112.5 points over their last 10 games.
- Timberwolves: Scoring 118.1 points in their recent games.
The Timberwolves excel in scoring, averaging 119.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.3%. In terms of three-point shooting, Minnesota makes an average of 14.4 shots per game, just shy of the 14.8 they give up. Conversely, New Orleans averages 11.0 successful three-point attempts but allows opponents 12.4 per game.
Key Players to Watch
The matchup highlights several standout performers:
- Julius Randle (Timberwolves): Averaging 22.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): Boasting 29.3 points and 5.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
- Trey Murphy III (Pelicans): Averaging 21.7 points recently, building off his 44-point game.
- Derik Queen (Pelicans): Contributing 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the third encounter between these two teams this season. The Timberwolves claimed victory in their last meeting, winning 125-116 on December 5. In that game, Randle led with 28 points while Murphy contributed 21 points for New Orleans.
Injury Updates
Injuries may play a critical role as both teams navigate roster challenges:
- Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr. is out with a foot injury.
- Pelicans: Dejounte Murray is sidelined due to a leg injury.
As the New Orleans Pelicans challenge the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans eagerly await what promises to be an exciting game. With high stakes and standout players on both sides, this matchup will be one to watch.
