Basketball is funny. One night you’re watching Anthony Edwards turn into a human torch, dropping 44 points and looking like the second coming of Dwyane Wade. The next, he’s basically a cardio specialist, finishing with 11 points while Julius Randle does the heavy lifting. That is exactly what happened the last few times we saw the New Orleans Pelicans vs Timberwolves.
If you’ve been following the Pelicans lately, it’s been rough. Like, really rough. They’re sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, and honestly, it feels like they’re playing with a hand tied behind their back. Between Zion Williamson’s constant "will he, won't he" availability and a roster that looks more like a hospital ward than an NBA team, the Pelicans are basically a laboratory for young guys like Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen to see if they can survive at the pro level.
The Night Anthony Edwards Broke the Pelicans
Let’s go back to December 2nd, 2025. That was a game that felt like a fever dream. The Timberwolves and Pelicans combined for nearly 300 points. Anthony Edwards was in one of those zones where the rim looks like the size of the Gulf of Mexico. He scored 34 of his 44 points in the second half alone.
The Pelicans actually led 129-125 with about a minute left after a Derik Queen dunk. You’d think they’d close it out, right? Nope. Edwards just drove past Jose Alvarado like he wasn't even there to force overtime.
In the extra period, Minnesota just had too much juice. Julius Randle, who’s been surprisingly steady since joining the Wolves, poured in eight points in OT to seal a 149-142 win. It was a heartbreaker for New Orleans fans. They got a career night from Trey Murphy III—33 points, 15 rebounds—and still walked away with an "L." That's the Pelicans' season in a nutshell: great individual performances that get swallowed by a lack of depth and defensive stops.
Why the Pelicans are Struggling
- The Zion Factor: Zion Williamson is still the centerpiece, but he's missed more than half the games this season. When he’s on, he’s averaging about 22 points and looks unstoppable. When he’s out with an adductor strain or a hamstring issue, the gravity of their offense just collapses.
- Injury Bug: It’s not just Zion. Dejounte Murray has been dealing with a leg/achilles issue that’s kept him out until at least February. Herb Jones, arguably their best defender, has been hampered by ankle sprains.
- Rookie Reliance: Because of the injuries, rookies like Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen are playing 30+ minutes a night. Fears has been a bright spot, honestly. He’s a top-five rookie on most ladders right now, shooting nearly 45% from the floor. But you can't ask a 19-year-old to outduel Anthony Edwards every night.
The "Quiet" Timberwolves Dominance
While the Pelicans are fighting for their lives, Minnesota is cruising at 27-14, comfortably in the top four of the West. They’ve built a roster that actually makes sense. Rudy Gobert is still doing Gobert things—blocking six shots in a game against New Orleans earlier this year—and Naz Reid is basically a starter playing off the bench.
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What's fascinating about the New Orleans Pelicans vs Timberwolves matchup is how Minnesota adapts. In their second December meeting, Edwards was quiet. He didn't need to be the hero. Julius Randle just stepped up with 28 points and 9 boards. The Wolves have that "next man up" thing going on that New Orleans just can't find right now.
The Pelicans actually outscored Minnesota 43-27 in a single quarter during one of their matchups. They have these bursts of brilliance. But over 48 minutes? The Wolves' defense, led by Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, eventually just suffocates them. McDaniels is quietly having a career year, shooting over 41% from three and defending the opposing team’s best player every single night.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most casual fans look at the Pelicans' record (it's hovering around 9-33 right now) and assume they’re a "G-League team." That’s not quite fair. When Trey Murphy III is hitting his stride, he’s a legitimate star. He had 41 points earlier this season against San Antonio. The problem is consistency.
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People also underestimate how much the Donte DiVincenzo addition helped Minnesota. He’s starting at point guard sometimes when Mike Conley needs a rest, and his spacing is huge for Anthony Edwards. When you have to worry about DiVincenzo and Naz Reid on the perimeter, you can't double-team Ant. And if you don't double-team Ant? Well, he drops 44.
Key Factors to Watch in Future Meetings
If you're betting on or just watching the next time these two face off, keep an eye on the turnover battle. In their 125-116 win, Minnesota didn't play their best basketball, but they forced the Pelicans into bad shots and capitalised on transition.
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New Orleans needs a healthy CJ McCollum to balance out the young guards. CJ has had games where he shoots 1-of-14, which just kills them. They need his veteran presence to settle the offense when the Wolves go on one of those 15-0 runs they're famous for.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Rookie Ladder: If you're a Pelicans fan, focus on Jeremiah Fears. He’s legit. He’s been scoring double digits almost every game and is one of the few reasons to stay optimistic about the future.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Don't even look at the spread for a Pelicans game until you see if Zion and Trey Murphy are confirmed. The Pelicans are a different team (obviously) when their "big three" are actually on the floor.
- Appreciate the Wolves' Depth: Notice how Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo affect the game even when they aren't scoring. Their gravity opens up everything for the Randle/Edwards duo.
The Pelicans are basically in "scouting mode" for the rest of 2026, looking to see which of these young pieces fit next to a healthy Zion next year. Minnesota, meanwhile, is hunting for a championship. The gap between them is huge right now, but the individual matchups—especially Ant vs. whoever the Pelicans throw at him—remain some of the most entertaining basketball in the league.
To get the most out of the next Pelicans game, check the starting lineups exactly 30 minutes before tip-off. Given the Pelicans' injury history this season, late scratches are common and completely change how the team functions defensively against a high-octane offense like Minnesota's. Focus on whether Herb Jones is active; without him, there is nobody on the New Orleans roster who can truly slow down Anthony Edwards.