The Minnesota Timberwolves (12-8) and New Orleans Pelicans (3-18) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. EST from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. The game will broadcast live on FDSNX.
The Timberwolves are 10-point favorites over the Pelicans on the spread (Timberwolves -10), with the over/under set at 235 total points. Minnesota is a -500 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while New Orleans is +375 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, December 2.
My Timberwolves vs Pelicans Prediction
- Timberwolves vs Pelicans pick: Over 235 (-110)
My Pelicans vs Timberwolves best bet is on the over, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Timberwolves vs Pelicans Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10 -110 | 235 -110o / -110u | -500 |
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10 -110 | 235 -110o / -110u | +375 |
Timberwolves vs Pelicans NBA Preview, Predictions
The NBA system titled "Contrarian Overs, Good Road Teams" in totals betting is built on the idea that strong traveling teams can drive pace and scoring in matchups where the market leans too heavily toward the under.
This appears to be the case for the Timberwolves entering tonight's matchup against the Pelicans.
By focusing on regular season games outside of division play, the system avoids slower rivalry environments and taps into contests that tend to be more open and less physical.
It targets overs specifically when the betting public and money trends show a clear lean toward the under, creating a contrarian opportunity where expectations are suppressed but conditions for scoring remain strong.
The away team, Minnesota in this case, must be early enough in its season to still carry energy and identity, and it must also be coming off a decisive win, a signal that its offense and confidence are functioning at a high level.
When these elements align, strong road teams often set the tone, push pace, and elevate scoring beyond market expectations, making the over more attractive precisely when it is being overlooked.
So, let's take over 235 in Wolves-Pelicans tonight.
Timberwolves vs Pelicans Best Bet
- Over 235 (-110)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread in this contest.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
My Timberwolves vs Pelicans betting prediction is on the over at 235 total points.
