New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction, Odds & Picks

New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.06.26

The regular season brings a compelling clash to the Target Center in Minneapolis on February 6th, 2026, as the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (13-40) face off against the formidable Minnesota Timberwolves (32-20) at 8:00 PM EST. This matchup pits a team desperate for wins against a Western Conference contender aiming to solidify its playoff position.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Matchup Preview

New Orleans Pelicans Key Stats & Trends

The New Orleans Pelicans have endured a challenging season, reflected in their 13-40 record. Despite their struggles, Trey Murphy III has been a consistent offensive force, averaging an impressive 22.1 points per game. His all-around impact is further highlighted by his rating of 22.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.3 BPG. Rookie Derik Queen has shown promise, leading the team in rebounds with 7.3 per game and assists with 4.3 per game, indicating his potential as a future cornerstone. However, the team’s overall defensive inefficiencies and lack of consistent secondary scoring have hampered their ability to close out games.

Injury Report New Orleans Pelicans

Dalen Terry (Day-to-day): Terry was recently traded to the Knicks in a deal involving Jose Alvarado. His status is day-to-day.
Hunter Dickinson (Day-to-day): Dickinson logged 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists in a recent preseason loss. He is currently day-to-day.
Dejounte Murray (Out): Pelicans head coach James Borrego reports Murray (Achilles) is “making a lot of progress” but is not close to returning and doesn’t appear set to make his season debut soon. He is out for this game.

Minnesota Timberwolves Key Stats & Trends

The Minnesota Timberwolves have established themselves as a dominant force in the Western Conference, boasting a strong 32-20 record. Their success is largely driven by superstar Anthony Edwards, who leads the team with an elite 29.7 points per game. Edwards’ comprehensive impact is undeniable, with a rating of 29.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 0.8 BPG. Defensive anchor Rudy Gobert continues to dominate the glass, averaging 11.3 rebounds per game, while Julius Randle contributes significantly with 5.4 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking ability. The Timberwolves’ blend of explosive offense and stifling defense makes them a tough opponent for any team.

Injury Report Minnesota Timberwolves

Terrence Shannon Jr. (Out): Shannon (foot) is out for Friday’s game against the Pelicans.
Julius Randle (Day-to-day): Randle is questionable for Friday’s game against the Pelicans due to left thumb soreness.
Julian Phillips (Day-to-day): Phillips (wrist) was recently traded to the Timberwolves from the Bulls. He is day-to-day.
Ayo Dosunmu (Day-to-day): Dosunmu (quadriceps) was recently traded to the Timberwolves from the Bulls. He is day-to-day.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction & Best Bet

Considering the stark contrast in team records and overall performance, the Minnesota Timberwolves are heavily favored in this matchup. The Pelicans, with a dismal 13-40 record, are significantly outmatched by the 32-20 Timberwolves. While Minnesota faces some minor injury concerns with Randle questionable and Shannon Jr. out, the core strength of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert should be more than enough to overwhelm a Pelicans team missing its key playmaker, Dejounte Murray. New Orleans’ defensive struggles will likely allow Edwards to have a big night, while Gobert’s presence will dominate the paint. We predict a comfortable victory for the home team.

Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves -11.5 (Spread)

Given the offensive firepower of both teams, particularly with Edwards’ scoring prowess and the Pelicans’ defensive vulnerabilities, we anticipate a high-scoring affair. The total points line is set at 236.5.

Over/Under Pick: Over 236.5 Points

Last 5 Games: NO

Form:

LLLWL

VS @ Milwaukee

L 141-137 OT

PTS Murphy III 44

REB Missi 7

AST Williamson 8

VS @ Charlotte

L 102-95

PTS Murphy III 27

REB Williamson 11

AST Bey 5

VS @ Philadelphia

L 124-114

PTS Bey 34

REB Murphy III 9

AST Jones 5

VS vs Memphis

W 114-106

PTS Queen 22

REB Queen 9

AST Queen 7

VS @ Oklahoma City

L 104-95

PTS Williamson 21

REB Bey 13

AST Bey 5

Opponent	Result	Points	Rebounds	Assists
@ Milwaukee	L 141-137 OT	Murphy III 44	Missi 7	Williamson 8
@ Charlotte	L 102-95	Murphy III 27	Williamson 11	Bey 5
@ Philadelphia	L 124-114	Bey 34	Murphy III 9	Jones 5
vs Memphis	W 114-106	Queen 22	Queen 9	Queen 7
@ Oklahoma City	L 104-95	Williamson 21	Bey 13	Bey 5

Last 5 Games: MIN

Form:

WLWWW

VS @ Toronto

W 128-126

PTS Edwards 30

REB Gobert 12

AST Edwards 5

VS @ Memphis

L 137-128

PTS Edwards 39

REB Gobert 10

AST Randle 8

VS @ Memphis

W 131-114

PTS Edwards 33

REB Gobert 16

AST Randle 7

VS vs Oklahoma City

W 123-111

PTS Edwards 26

REB Gobert 11

AST Edwards 5

VS @ Dallas

W 118-105

PTS Randle 31

REB Reid 8

AST Edwards 6

Opponent	Result	Points	Rebounds	Assists
@ Toronto	W 128-126	Edwards 30	Gobert 12	Edwards 5
@ Memphis	L 137-128	Edwards 39	Gobert 10	Randle 8
@ Memphis	W 131-114	Edwards 33	Gobert 16	Randle 7
vs Oklahoma City	W 123-111	Edwards 26	Gobert 11	Edwards 5
@ Dallas	W 118-105	Randle 31	Reid 8	Edwards 6

New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.06.26