New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions for Sunday April 12, 2026
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The New Orleans Pelicans travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, April 12, 2026, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel SN North and GCSEN. According to DraftKings, New Orleans is listed as a +7.5 underdog with a +250 moneyline, while Minnesota is favored at -7.5 with a -310 moneyline. The total for this matchup is set at 232.5. This Western Conference contest features two teams heading in different directions, particularly when it comes to recent form and home versus road performance. Be sure to check out free NBA picks for more daily NBA insights.
New Orleans Continues to Struggle Away From Home
New Orleans enters this matchup with a 26-55 overall record and a difficult 9-31 mark on the road. Over their last five games, the Pelicans have gone 1-4, recently defeating Utah while losing to Boston, Orlando, Sacramento, and Portland. This stretch reflects a team that has struggled to maintain consistency, especially when facing stronger opponents and when playing away from home.
From a statistical standpoint, New Orleans is averaging 115.4 points per game while allowing 119.9 points per contest. They are shooting 47% from the field and collecting 43.8 rebounds per game. The Pelicans also average 25.2 assists, along with 5.2 blocks and 8.9 steals. These numbers show a team that can generate offense at a reasonable level but has had trouble limiting opposing scoring.
The biggest issue for New Orleans is on the defensive end. Allowing 119.9 points per game creates constant pressure on their offense to keep pace, and that has been difficult to sustain consistently. This defensive weakness has been a major factor in their struggles, particularly during their recent stretch.
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Minnesota Looks to Build Momentum at Home
Minnesota comes into this contest with a 48-33 record and a strong 25-15 mark at home. Over their last five games, the Timberwolves have gone 2-3, recently defeating Houston and Indiana while losing to Orlando, Charlotte, and Philadelphia. While the results have been mixed, the team has still shown the ability to compete and produce offensively.
Looking at the numbers, Minnesota is averaging 117.8 points per game while allowing 114.5. They are shooting 48% from the field and grabbing 44.0 rebounds per contest. The Timberwolves also average 26.0 assists, along with 5.7 blocks and 8.8 steals. These stats highlight a team that has been efficient offensively and active defensively.
Minnesota’s key strength in this matchup is its offensive efficiency. Averaging 117.8 points per game while shooting 48% from the field gives them a strong profile against a New Orleans team that has struggled defensively. This combination could allow Minnesota to generate consistent scoring opportunities throughout the game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Prediction
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves -7.5
Minnesota appears to have the advantage in this matchup based on both statistical production and overall consistency. The Timberwolves have been more efficient offensively and have the benefit of playing at home, where they have been solid throughout the season. New Orleans has struggled defensively, allowing nearly 120 points per game, which creates an opportunity for Minnesota to take control. The combination of offensive efficiency and home-court advantage makes Minnesota the stronger pick to cover the spread.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves Total Pick
Pick: Over 232.5
I’m leaning toward the over in this matchup. Both teams have shown the ability to score, with Minnesota averaging 117.8 points per game and New Orleans at 115.4. At the same time, both defenses allow over 114 points per contest, which suggests a higher-scoring game is possible. With both teams capable of contributing offensively, this total feels within reach.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves 121 – New Orleans Pelicans 112
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