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

The Wolves want to build momentum against the Pelicans

If there’s one thing the Timberwolves have perfected this season, it’s inconsistency. After two tough losses to elite competition from the Thunder and Celtics, the Wolves returned to the Target Center and almost let another game slip away before Anthony Edwards put the team on his back and scored 37 points to lead Minnesota past the Clippers . This win stopped a four-game slide and gave Wolves fans a glimmer of hope as we approach January. Now they face the Pelicans – a team that is firmly rooted in the basement of the Western Conference with a record of 7-29.

It’s a golden opportunity for the Wolves to pick up two wins in a row, build momentum and pick 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 do Wolves need to do to avoid another disappointing disappointment? Let’s dive in.

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 mostly shows 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 makes him a nightmare for anyone, especially a team like the Wolves that struggles with defensive consistency on the roster.

Rudy Gobert, NazReid and Julius Randle all have to give their best. The Wolves need to protect the rim and force Zion to hit hard. If they can neutralize it or at least contain it, they’ll be in great shape.

Key #2: Stay mentally trapped

We’ve seen this movie before. The wolves start a duel 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 of “winnable games the Wolves can lose.”

Tonight, Minnesota can’t afford to overlook the Pelicans. It’s certainly difficult to play back-to-back games, but that’s not a loss of schedule. This is a Team Minnesota should Beat, plain and simple. This requires staying sharp, playing with defensive intensity and not allowing bad habits to creep in – no lazy shots, no careless ball losses and definitely no phases in which the team forgets how to score.

Key #3: Avoid the dreaded droughts

Speaking of scoring goals, it was a roller coaster ride. The Wolves have the uncanny ability to stay ice cold for stretches of five, six, sometimes seven minutes. It’s insane. Against the Clippers, they were able to make up a 19-point deficit in large part because Anthony Edwards decided to rely on John Wick in the second half. But they can’t rely on Ant to drop 37 drops every night.

Chris Finch needs to manage rotations carefully. Positioning Edwards and Randle so that there is always a first scorer on the court is critical. The offense runs best when there is ball movement and spacing and players willing to attack the rim. Hero Ball and stagnant possessions are a recipe for disaster.

Key #4: Rely on Ant (but not too much)

Anthony Edwards is going crazy right now. After a quiet stretch against the Spurs, Thunder and Celtics, he has scored 90 points in the last two games. He tied Karl-Anthony Towns’ franchise record for most points in a two-game span and gave the Wolves trouble against the Clippers by scoring 15 straight points in the fourth quarter.

But while it’s tempting to just let Ant cook, 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 everything.

Key #5: Use the schedule

The Pelicans are bad. For example: “Win ​​seven games by January” is 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 the Knicks, Cavaliers and Nuggets.

Every game counts in the Western Conference, where the standings are tighter than the storyline of one Knife out Film. The Wolves are currently in ninth place, just one game over .500. With a few more wins they could move into the top six and avoid the play-in altogether. But to do that you have to beat the teams you’re supposed to beat, starting with New Orleans.

Final thoughts

Wolves have been the poster child for missed opportunities this season. They blew a lead, lost winnable games and struggled to find consistency. But there is still hope. This team is incredibly talented and Anthony Edwards is playing like a true superstar.

Today’s game against the Pelicans is more than just a chance for another win. It’s an opportunity to build momentum, correct bad habits and climb 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.

Let’s hope Ant keeps his cape on and Wolves give us another performance worth celebrating.