Minnesota enters the NBA Cup opener with an 8-1 against-the-spread record, while New Orleans has covered six of eight games. Both teams have beaten expectations, making the injury-adjusted matchup more revealing than their overall records.
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Injury Report
Minnesota is without Anthony Edwards following right knee surgery and Donte DiVincenzo following right Achilles surgery. Terrence Shannon Jr. is questionable with a left hip contusion, leaving the Timberwolves dependent on their available perimeter rotation. For New Orleans, center Yves Missi is out with a left knee bone bruise, while Trey Murphy III is probable despite bilateral patellar tendinopathy. Malik Dia and Jaron Pierre Jr. are doubtful on G League assignments; Julian Reese is probable. Confirm final statuses before tip-off.
Key Players
Key Matchup Edge
Minnesota has scored 118.8 points per game while shooting 38.0 percent from three, compared with New Orleans at 121.6 points and 31.7 percent beyond the arc. The Timberwolves also average 49.2 rebounds to the Pelicans 44.9. New Orleans counters with superior free-throw accuracy and Williamson attacking the paint, especially important with Missi unavailable.
3 Things to Watch
- Minnesota 38.0 percent three-point shooting
- Minnesota 49.2 rebounds per game
- New Orleans four consecutive wins
Betting Breakdown
Friday's NBA Cup group opener pairs Minnesota's 6-3 start with a New Orleans team that has climbed back to 4-4 after four straight wins. The Timberwolves beat Houston 117-107 on November 4 after defeating Milwaukee 112-100, and they enter with the league's strongest reported early ATS mark at 8-1. Their 3-2 straight-up road record understates a 5-0 ATS run away from home. New Orleans has also rewarded spread bettors, covering six of eight games and each of its past four. The Pelicans' latest victories include a 120-113 overtime result against Utah and a 135-134 overtime win at Memphis. Minnesota's perimeter efficiency may be pivotal: it is shooting 38.0 percent from three compared with New Orleans at 31.7 percent. The Wolves also hold a 49.2-to-44.9 rebounding-average advantage. Still, Zion Williamson's interior scoring offers a route for the home side to answer, and the absences of Anthony Edwards and Yves Missi alter both teams' rotations. The reported opening spread favored Minnesota by 4.5 points, but bettors should recheck live pricing and late injury announcements before comparing either side's value.
Minnesota Betting Outlook
Minnesota arrives at 6-3 after winning three of its last five games, with road victories over Houston and earlier opponents helping build a 3-2 straight-up away record. More importantly for spread bettors, the Timberwolves are 8-1 ATS overall and have covered in five straight road games this season. Their 117-107 win in Houston and 112-100 result against Milwaukee show that they can control games even while Anthony Edwards remains out. LaMelo Ball scored 20 points with six assists in Houston after posting 34 against Milwaukee. Minnesota averages 118.8 points and 49.2 rebounds, and its 38.0 percent three-point shooting creates a spacing advantage against this opponent. Defensive assignments and backcourt depth remain major considerations given the absences of Edwards and DiVincenzo.
New Orleans Betting Outlook
New Orleans has recovered from an 0-4 start to win four consecutive games, reaching 4-4 overall and 6-2 ATS. Its recent victories over Sacramento, Atlanta, Memphis and Utah all covered the spread. The Pelicans are 3-2 straight up at Smoothie King Center, where their latest home results include a 121-99 win over Atlanta and a 120-113 overtime victory over Utah. Zion Williamson averages 21.5 points and 5.1 rebounds, with 23 points against Utah and a 25-point, 11-rebound performance at Memphis. New Orleans scores 121.6 points per game but makes 31.7 percent of its threes, so efficient paint offense and free throws could matter more than perimeter volume. Yves Missi's confirmed absence also puts pressure on the available frontcourt defenders and rebounders.
Latest Team Buzz
made for Minnesota. 🥶 https://t.co/9X81mrgLCl
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 5, 2026
4 straight wins 🔥 #Pelicans | @HancockWhitney https://t.co/OYUyjvpKra
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 5, 2026
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Where to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans?
You can watch this game on Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network. For the latest broadcast details, see Where to Watch.
Where to stream Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans?
You can stream this game on Pelicans+.
What is the best free prop bet for Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Trey Murphy Over 14.5 Points
What is the biggest matchup edge for Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Minnesota has scored 118.8 points per game while shooting 38.0 percent from three, compared with New Orleans at 121.6 points and 31.7 percent beyond the arc. The Timberwolves also average 49.2 rebounds to the Pelicans 44.9. New Orleans counters with superior free-throw accuracy and Williamson attacking the paint, especially important with Missi unavailable.
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