Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT / 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN (Timberwolves home game)
TV/Radio: FanDuel Sports Network North (Timberwolves), Gulf Coast Sports Entertainment (Pelicans); NBA League Pass and local radio available.
This Western Conference regular-season finale features a New Orleans Pelicans team that has been eliminated from playoff contention and is on a dismal eight-game road losing streak against a Minnesota Timberwolves squad locked into the No. 6 seed in the West with home-court advantage in the first round already secured. The Timberwolves are resting or limiting some key pieces, while the Pelicans are simply playing out the string with a heavily depleted roster.
Team Records & Standings Context
New Orleans Pelicans: 26-55 overall (11th in the Western Conference, 9-31 on the road). They rank near the bottom in defensive efficiency, allowing 119.9 PPG while scoring 115.4 PPG.
Minnesota Timberwolves: 48-33 overall (6th in the Western Conference, 25-15 at home). They boast a strong net rating, averaging 117.8 PPG scored and allowing just 114.5 PPG.
Minnesota holds a clear home advantage and superior overall talent despite potential load management.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5–10 Games)
Pelicans: 2-3 in their last 5 games (and on an 8-game road losing streak). Recent results include a 144-118 loss at Boston (April 11), 156-137 win vs. Utah (April 8), 112-108 loss vs. Orlando (April 6), and road losses at Sacramento and Portland. New Orleans has been inconsistent and particularly poor away from home.
Timberwolves: 2-3 in their last 5 games. They are coming off a 136-132 road win at Houston (April 11), a 132-120 loss at Orlando (April 9), a 124-104 win at Indiana (April 8), and losses to Charlotte and Philadelphia. Minnesota remains solid defensively at home.
The Timberwolves’ home strength contrasts with the Pelicans’ extended road woes.
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans (extremely thin roster):
Out: Yves Missi (hand – out until at least Oct. 1).
Questionable/GTD: Zion Williamson (knee), Herbert Jones (rest), Saddiq Bey (rest), Karlo Matkovic (back spasms).
The Pelicans are missing interior depth and defensive anchors, forcing heavy reliance on young or fill-in players.
Minnesota Timberwolves (managing key absences):
Out: Anthony Edwards (knee – out until at least April 18).
Questionable/GTD: Naz Reid (shoulder), Julius Randle (hand), Joe Ingles (personal), Bones Hyland (hip).
Minnesota is prioritizing health for the playoffs but still has enough depth to compete effectively at home.
Key Player Matchups
Timberwolves guards/frontcourt depth (Conley / others if Randle active) vs. Pelicans backcourt: Without Edwards, Minnesota relies on playmaking from veterans, but the Pelicans’ depleted perimeter (Jones questionable) should give Minnesota easy opportunities.
Naz Reid / Rudy Gobert (if active) vs. Pelicans frontcourt (thin without Missi / Zion GTD): Minnesota’s size and rebounding edge will be decisive. The Pelicans lack interior presence and rim protection.
Scoring vs. Defense: Minnesota’s defensive schemes have contained New Orleans all season; expect similar dominance of the glass and paint.
Overall, Minnesota holds decisive edges in size, depth, and execution across most positions.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
Minnesota leads the season series 2-1:
Feb. 6, 2026: NOP 119-115 (at MIN)
Dec. 4, 2025: MIN 125-116 (at NOP)
Dec. 2, 2025: MIN 149-142 (OT at NOP)
The Timberwolves have won the last two meetings by double digits when healthy and are looking to secure the season-series victory.
Betting Trends
Timberwolves are strong ATS at home and as favorites against weak road teams.
Pelicans are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 as road underdogs and poor in blowout spots.
Over/Under: Recent Pelicans road games have trended lower with depleted rosters; Minnesota home contests with rest often stay Under.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 232.5
Minnesota Timberwolves – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 11, 2026
