The Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans squared off at the Target Center in Minneapolis on February 6, 2026, in a matchup that carried plenty of intrigue despite both teams approaching the contest with very different recent fortunes. The Timberwolves, riding high after a dramatic 128-126 comeback win over the Toronto Raptors just two nights earlier, were hungry to extend their hot streak and cement their status as genuine contenders in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, mired in a frustrating stretch that saw them drop seven of their last ten games, were desperate to snap a losing skid that had left their playoff hopes dangling by a thread.
Coming into this third of four regular-season meetings between the two sides, Minnesota had already taken the first two games in December and boasted a dominant record, winning 12 of the last 19 overall against New Orleans. The Timberwolves held a 32-20 record, while the Pelicans, struggling for consistency, sat at 13-40 and were 0-3 on their current four-game road trip. The odds reflected the disparity: Minnesota was a 9.5-point favorite on most books, with the moneyline hovering around -425 and the over/under set at a high 237.5 points.
Trade deadline drama swirled around both teams in the days leading up to the contest. The Timberwolves had entered the deadline with two clear objectives: bolster their playmaking with a competent lead guard and, in a bold swing, attempt to land superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Greek Freak ultimately stayed put in Milwaukee, Minnesota did succeed in acquiring Ayo Dosunmu, a guard known for his defensive intensity and sharpshooting, after a flurry of moves. They also reunited with veteran Mike Conley on a more team-friendly deal after he was traded twice and bought out by the Charlotte Hornets. However, neither Dosunmu nor Conley was expected to suit up for the Timberwolves in this matchup, as the team worked through contract and integration logistics.
Injuries and absences were a factor for both squads. Minnesota listed Julius Randle as questionable with a shoulder concern, but all other regular rotation players were expected to be available. On the Pelicans’ side, Dalen Terry—recently acquired from the New York Knicks for Jose Alvarado—was out, joining a list that included Trey Alexander, Jose Alvarado, Hunter Dickinson, and Dejounte Murray. The projected starting lineups featured some familiar faces: for New Orleans, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones; for Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle (if healthy), Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, and Donte DiVincenzo.
The Timberwolves’ recent surge has been anchored by the spectacular play of Anthony Edwards. Edwards has been on a tear, averaging 29.7 points per game this season and connecting on nearly 40% of his three-point attempts. He entered the Pelicans game having scored at least 20 points in 23 consecutive regular-season contests—a new franchise record. His heroics against Toronto, where he poured in 30 points alongside eight rebounds and five assists, exemplified his ability to take over games when it matters most. Bones Hyland and Jaden McDaniels also contributed significantly in that victory, with 20 and 19 points respectively, further highlighting Minnesota’s impressive depth.
Defensively, the Timberwolves have been a nightmare for opponents, thanks in large part to Rudy Gobert. Renowned as one of the league’s premier rim protectors, Gobert has limited opponents to the fourth-lowest field goal percentage within six feet among defenders with at least 35 games played and five shots contested per game in that range. Minnesota’s bread and butter has been their ability to limit high-percentage looks in the restricted area, holding opponents to the fifth-lowest field goal percentage in that zone. Their rebounding has also been a strength, ranking 10th in total rebounding percentage, giving them a clear edge over the Pelicans, who languish near the bottom at 23rd in the league.
Offensively, Minnesota’s shooting prowess has only improved with recent roster tweaks. Trading Conley, who had struggled with his shot this season (a career-low 32.1% from deep), in favor of Dosunmu’s potential and the emergence of Bones Hyland, has given the Timberwolves even more firepower. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have struggled to defend the perimeter, allowing the second-most wide-open threes in the NBA—a stat that must have had Timberwolves shooters licking their chops.
The Pelicans, for their part, have been searching for answers. Despite a lack of significant moves at the trade deadline, New Orleans witnessed a historic performance from Trey Murphy III in their last outing against Milwaukee. Murphy erupted for a career-high 44 points, draining a franchise-record 12 three-pointers, becoming just the eighth player in NBA history to hit at least 12 triples in a single game and the second to do so this season (joining Stephen Curry). Unfortunately for New Orleans, even that dazzling display wasn’t enough, as they fell 141-137 in overtime. The Pelicans allowed the Bucks to shoot a season-high 60.9% from the field and were outscored 62-38 in the paint, underscoring ongoing issues with interior defense and rim protection.
New Orleans has also struggled on the boards, allowing the second-most second-chance points in the league. While the Pelicans have managed to generate some offense through second-chance opportunities, their inability to consistently protect the rim and secure rebounds has been a persistent Achilles’ heel. With the Timberwolves’ combination of size and athleticism, particularly in the frontcourt with Gobert and Randle (if available), that mismatch looked likely to play a significant role in the outcome.
As for the matchup’s X-factors, much would depend on whether Zion Williamson could assert himself in the paint and potentially draw Gobert into foul trouble. Williamson’s aggression and ability to get to the line have been bright spots for New Orleans, and a big night from him could tilt the balance if the Timberwolves’ defense proved overly physical or foul-prone. However, Minnesota has generally done a solid job closing out on shooters, which could make life difficult for a Pelicans squad that, outside of Murphy, has seen several players shoot below expectations from deep.
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror and both teams fielding somewhat shorthanded rosters, the Timberwolves’ combination of elite defense, red-hot shooting, and the unstoppable force that is Anthony Edwards made them clear favorites. Still, the Pelicans’ penchant for giving up wide-open looks and their struggles on the road left them facing an uphill battle.
As the action unfolded in Minneapolis, all eyes were on whether Minnesota could continue its winning ways and whether New Orleans could find a spark to break out of its funk. With both teams looking to make a statement, this matchup promised plenty of fireworks—and perhaps a few surprises before the final buzzer.