Preview #36 – Timberwolves at Pelicans

On January 8, 2025By Littum

Minnesota Timberwolves at the New Orleans Pelicans
Date: 7 January 2025
Time: 19:00 CST
Location: Smoothie King Center
TV coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

The Wolves look to build momentum against the Pelicans

If there’s one thing the Timberwolves have perfected this season, it’s inconsistency. After two tough defeats to the elite competition in Thunder and Celticsthe Wolves came back to Target Center and nearly let another game slip away before Anthony Edwards put the team on his back and scored 37 points to lead Minnesota past the Clippers. That win stopped a four-game skid and gave Wolves fans a glimmer of hope as we head deeper into January. Now they face the Pelicans – a team that has been firmly entrenched in the Western Conference basement with a 7-29 record.

It’s a golden opportunity for the Wolves to string together back-to-back wins, build momentum and start picking up some much-needed wins. But here’s the thing: If you’ve followed this team at all this season, you know that “easy win” isn’t really in their vocabulary. So what must the Wolves do to avoid another disappointing slump? Let’s dive into it.

Key #1: Stop Zion, or at least slow him down

When Zion Williamson is healthy, he is a force of nature. Unfortunately for Wolves fans, Zion tends to show up against Minnesota. He’s like that friend who never shows up to a party, but always shows up unannounced and eats all the good snacks. Zion’s combination of size, strength and touch around the basket make him a nightmare matchup for anyone, especially a team like the Wolves that has struggled with defensive consistency in the paint.

Rudy Gobert, NazReid and Julius Randle all need to be on their A-game. The Wolves must protect the rim and force Zion into tough shots. If they can neutralize him — or at least limit him — they’ll be in good shape.

Key #2: Get mentally locked in

We’ve seen this movie before. The Wolves roll into a match against an inferior opponent and immediately take their foot off the gas. the results? Losses to Portland, Toronto and most recently Detroit. At this point, Wolves fans could create a drinking game out of “winnable games the Wolves find a way to lose.”

Tonight, Minnesota cannot afford to overlook the Pelicans. Back-to-backs are tough, sure, but this isn’t a loss of schedule. This is a Minnesota team should beat, plain and simple. It requires staying sharp, playing with defensive intensity and not letting bad habits creep in – no lazy closeouts, no careless turnovers and absolutely no stretches where the team forgets how to score.

Key #3: Avoid the dreaded droughts

Speaking of scoring, it’s been a roller coaster ride. Wolves have this uncanny ability to go ice cold for stretches that last five, six, sometimes seven minutes. It’s crazy. Against the Clippers, they erased a 19-point deficit, in large part because Anthony Edwards decided to go full John Wick in the second half. But they can’t rely on Ant dropping 37 every night.

Chris Finch needs to manage rotations carefully. Staggering Edwards and Randle so that there is always a primary scorer on the floor is essential. The offense flows best when there is ball movement, spacing and players willing to attack the rim. Hero ball and stagnant assets are a recipe for disaster.

Key #4: Trust Ant (But Not Too Much)

Anthony Edwards is dying right now. After a quiet stretch against the Spurs, Thunder and Celtics, he has exploded for 90 points in the last two games. He tied Karl-Anthony Towns’ franchise record for most points in a two-game span and put the Wolves on his back against the Clippers, scoring 15 straight points in the fourth quarter.

But while it’s tempting to just let Ant cook, the wolves need balance. Randle has been inconsistent and Gobert’s offensive contributions are limited, but the supporting cast — players like Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels — need to step up. Ant can’t do it all.

Key #5: Take advantage of the schedule

The Pelicans are bad. Like “win seven games before January” bad. This is a game the Wolves should win, especially considering what’s on the horizon. After tonight, Minnesota faces Orlando and Washington — two more winnable games — before diving headfirst into a brutal January schedule that includes matchups with KnicksCavaliers and Nuggets.

Every game matters in the Western Conference, where the standings are closer than the plot of one Knives Out film. The Wolves currently sit in ninth place, just one game over .500. With a few more wins, they could climb into the top six and avoid the play-in altogether. But that requires you to beat the teams you need to beat, starting with New Orleans.

Final thoughts

The Wolves have been the poster child for missed opportunities this season. They’ve blown leads, dropped winnable games and struggled to find consistency. But there is still hope. This team is incredibly talented and Anthony Edwards is playing like a bona fide superstar.

Tonight’s game against the Pelicans is more than just a chance to get another win. It’s an opportunity to build momentum, correct bad habits and start climbing the rankings. If the Wolves show up, play smart and avoid their usual pitfalls, they will leave New Orleans with a win and some much needed confidence.