Minnesota TimberwolvesOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125–116 on December 4 at Smoothie King Center, staying ahead of the Vegas total of 232.5 points. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 28 points, while Naz Reid added 19 in a balanced attack; the Timberwolves shot 45.7 percent from the field and made 15 three-pointers to New Orleans's seven. Minnesota dominated the glass with 49 rebounds to the Pelicans' 43 and distributed 30 assists, though 19 turnovers proved costly. Trey Murphy III paced the home side with 21 points and Saddiq Bey contributed 20, but New Orleans's 45.3 field-goal percentage and 105.0 offensive rating limited their offensive upside. The Timberwolves' fourth-quarter explosion—37 points compared to New Orleans's 26—proved decisive after a tighter third quarter, while Minnesota's 105.0 defensive rating held the Pelicans well below their season averages. The road victory underscores Minnesota's three-point depth and closing-quarter execution as they continue their Western Conference push.
