Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Prediction for Friday November 6 2026
Minnesota heads to New Orleans on Friday night for an 8 PM ET game against the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. The Timberwolves just beat Houston 117-107 on Wednesday, and New Orleans beat Utah 120-113. Both teams are coming off wins, but I like what Minnesota has been doing defensively a lot more than what I’ve seen from New Orleans. The Pelicans can score, no question. But stopping somebody? That’s been another story. Get into the action with our free NBA picks.
Minnesota Timberwolves Have Been Playing Good Basketball
Minnesota is 6-3 after beating Houston by 10 points Wednesday. That’s a pretty good road victory against a Rockets team that had been playing excellent basketball. The Timberwolves also beat Milwaukee 112-100 on Monday, so they’ve won two straight after losing to San Antonio on Saturday. Minnesota has been playing some of its best basketball lately.
The Timberwolves are averaging 118.8 points while allowing only 107.6 per game. That’s an 11.2-point difference, one of the best in the league. Minnesota has been getting enough offense to win games, but the defense is what makes this team dangerous. Against New Orleans, that’s a pretty big advantage because the Pelicans have been allowing nearly 120 points a night.
Minnesota’s offensive leaders have been getting the job done, but what I like is that the Timberwolves haven’t needed one player to carry everything. They’ve been getting contributions throughout the lineup and playing better team defense than most of their opponents. That’s important against New Orleans because the Pelicans can make things difficult when they get into an offensive rhythm.
New Orleans Pelicans Have Been Scoring Plenty
New Orleans is 4-4 after beating Utah 120-113 on Wednesday. The Pelicans also beat Memphis 135-134 on Monday, so they’ve scored 255 points over their last two games. That’s a lot of offense, and it’s been enough to get them back to .500 after a slow start.
The Pelicans are averaging 121.6 points per game, one of the highest numbers in basketball. But they’re allowing 119.3, and that’s a problem. New Orleans has been winning games by outscoring opponents rather than consistently getting stops. That can work against some teams. Against Minnesota, I’m not sure it’s the best approach.
The Pelicans have been particularly effective scoring inside, averaging more than 62 points in the paint per game. That’s going to be an interesting matchup against Minnesota’s defense. New Orleans needs to establish that inside scoring early because if the Timberwolves start forcing difficult perimeter shots, the Pelicans could have trouble keeping up.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
I’m taking Minnesota. New Orleans can score, and I wouldn’t be shocked if the Pelicans get into the 110s or even the 120s. But the Timberwolves have been playing much better defense, and that matters in a matchup where both teams have plenty of offensive ability. Minnesota just held Houston to 107, and now it gets a New Orleans defense that’s allowing nearly 120 per game. I think the Timberwolves have the better balance. Give me Minnesota on the road.
Total Pick: Over 231.5 Points
I’ll take the over 231.5 if that’s the posted number. Minnesota is averaging nearly 119 points, and New Orleans is scoring better than 121. That’s plenty of offensive ability on both sides. The Pelicans have also been allowing 119.3 points per game, which should give Minnesota plenty of good looks. The concern is Minnesota’s defense slowing New Orleans down enough to keep this under. That’s possible. But I think the Pelicans still get into the 110s, and Minnesota should have a good chance to reach 120. Something like 121-114 gets us over.
Final Picks: Minnesota Timberwolves Moneyline | Over 231.5 Points (if available)
Disclaimer: This preview was completed on November 5, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting lineups may change before tipoff.