New Orleans at Minnesota
Time: 7 PM CT, ESPN
Spread: EVEN
Total: 236.5
Odds c/o 5dimes
The new-look Minnesota Timberwolves are 5-9, but have posted a 5-1 mark at home this season where it will host the New Orleans Pelicans at 7 PM (CT) on ESPN. NBA oddsmakers at 5dimes set the line EVEN for this game, with an over/under of 236.5 points.
MIN
Minnesota said farewell to Jimmy Butler, dealing its disgruntled star to the Philadelphia 76ers for Jarryd Bayless, Robert Covington, and Dario Saric. The trade was a necessary one for Minny, but it is hoping it may have a star in Saric. Often overshadowed in Philadelphia, he should assume a starter’s role in due time in Minnesota where presumably he will get a lot more touches and looks. He also should blend well with what the Wolves have already in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. This is a team too talented to be four games below .500 already in this young season, and the thought is by removing Butler a lot of his toxic influence will be gone as well.
Minnesota loses its leading scorer in Butler, but Derrick Rose has been re-emerging to look much more like the “Rose of old.” The one-time MVP is averaging 19.2 points and 4.8 assists per game, good for No. 2 on the team in both categories. Karl-Anthony Towns has been off to something of a slow start, but he is still averaging 20.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game this season. Wiggins has been the biggest disappointment, not performing well on the defensive end, and also averaging just 16.6 points per game. The Wolves are hoping its former No. 1 overall pick rounds into shape because the label of “potential” has long since passed.
It is time to get production from the one-and-done from Kansas. As if all that was not enough, many are calling for the job of head coach Tom Thibodeau, simply due to Minnesota’s struggles. It is hoping to get back on track with its new roster additions as it hosts New Orleans.
NO
Anthony Davis has been on a tear and is averaging 24.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 4.67 blocks/steals in 37.3 minutes per game. He has been getting a lot of (offensive) help from Nikola Mirotic, who has broken out finally after several seasons struggling in New Orleans and Chicago. Mirotic is averaging better than 20 points per game while hauling in 11.7 rebounds per game. He is shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from three-point range on 6.9 attempts per night. Jrue Holiday has been outstanding on the defensive end, and he is contributing another 18.8 points and 8.8 assists per game.
?
One of the biggest surprises, though, has been the play of Julius Randle. Despite battling plantar fasciitis this season, he is making a strong bid for Sixth Man of the Year. The one-time Laker is averaging 18 points and eight rebounds per game in just 25 minutes a night. E’twaun Moore and Elfrid Payton are adding some solid backcourt play, combining for 25.2 points and 8.5 assists between them, to round out the Pels’ rotation. New Orleans is also getting spot contributions from Wesley Johnson, Ian Clark, and Darius Miller, all of whom average better than five points per game.
The Pelicans are not replete with depth, but Randle gives it a strong spark plug with his energy and scoring ability. Davis remains the key to the engine, and the Pelicans are hoping the former Kentucky big man does not become too frustrated with his supporting cast. With DeMarcus Cousins having left for Golden State, the thought was that the Pelicans suffered a major loss, but it was without his services in the playoffs when it gave Golden State a relatively tough five-game series. All indications are that this team is better, despite its record sitting at just a humble .500.
