The NBA regular season is coming to its final stage, and the matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 12, 2026, brings an interesting contest between two teams heading in different directions.
Minnesota has already secured the sixth seed in the Western Conference and will soon prepare for the playoffs, while New Orleans has endured a difficult season and sits near the bottom of the standings. Even though this game may not affect Minnesota’s playoff position, it still carries importance for players trying to finish the regular season on a positive note. Several star players on both sides are unavailable due to injuries, meaning younger players and bench contributors will have a chance to show their ability.
With both teams missing key names, the pace of the game could become unpredictable, but the Timberwolves still enter this matchup with the stronger overall structure and home advantage.
Match Information
| Match | New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves |
|---|---|
| League | NBA 2025–26 Season |
| Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Tip-Off Time | 8:30 PM ET |
| Venue | Target Center, Minneapolis |
| Broadcast | FanDuel Sports Network (Local) |
Current Team Records
| Team | Record | Conference Position |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 48–33 | 6th in Western Conference |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 26–55 | Outside Play-In |
Minnesota has been one of the more stable teams in the Western Conference this season. With 48 wins, the Timberwolves have secured a playoff spot and will finish sixth regardless of the outcome of this game. The Pelicans, however, have struggled for consistency and sit far outside postseason contention.
Recent Form and Last Games
| Team | Recent Form (Last Games) | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | Solid season overall | Already locked into playoff seed |
| Pelicans | Heavy loss in last outing | Young roster finishing season |
The Pelicans are coming off a heavy defeat against Boston, where the team struggled defensively. Minnesota, on the other hand, has focused on maintaining rhythm before entering the playoffs. However, both teams will rely heavily on bench players in this matchup due to the long injury list.
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans Injury List
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Saddiq Bey | Out |
| Karlo Matkovic | Out |
| Herb Jones | Out |
| Bryce McGowens | Out |
| Yves Missi | Out |
| Trey Murphy III | Out |
| Zion Williamson | Out |
| Dejounte Murray | Out |
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury List
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Naz Reid | Out |
| Mike Conley | Out |
| Anthony Edwards | Out |
| Jaden McDaniels | Out |
| Julius Randle | Out |
| Bones Hyland | Out |
| Rudy Gobert | Out |
| Kyle Anderson | Out |
| Ayo Dosunmu | Out |
Both teams will enter the game without many of their key players. For the Pelicans, the absence of Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Trey Murphy removes much of their offensive firepower. Minnesota also sits several major names including Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, which means the contest could rely heavily on depth players.
Also see: Warriors Playoff Standings 2026: Golden State Play-In Scenarios, Schedule & NBA Bracket
Key Player to Watch
Derik Queen (Pelicans)
The rookie center has become an important part of the Pelicans’ lineup in recent games. Queen has started the last few games and has been active on the boards. With Minnesota missing Gobert and other frontcourt players, he could have a strong rebounding performance.
| Player | Recent Role | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Derik Queen | Starting Center | Rebounding & interior presence |
Queen has already shown double-digit rebounding potential and could be a central figure in the Pelicans’ offense and defense in this matchup.
Team Performance Overview
| Category | Pelicans | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Season Record | 26–55 | 48–33 |
| Offensive Production | Capable of scoring but inconsistent | Balanced scoring |
| Defense | Struggles defensively | Strong defensive structure |
| Playoff Status | Eliminated | Clinched No. 6 Seed |
Minnesota’s defensive system has been one of the key reasons for their successful season. Even with missing starters, the team still relies on disciplined rotations and physical defense. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain consistency on that end.
Also see: Raptors Playoff Standings 2026: Toronto Scenarios, Schedule and NBA Playoff Race
Betting Odds Snapshot
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Timberwolves -6.5 |
| Pelicans Spread | +6.5 |
| Moneyline Timberwolves | -258 |
| Moneyline Pelicans | +210 |
| Total Points | Around 234–236 |
Oddsmakers have placed Minnesota as the clear favorite due to their stronger overall record and home advantage.
Head-to-Head Outlook
Minnesota has had the better overall structure during the season, but games between teams with depleted rosters can sometimes become unpredictable. The Pelicans have occasionally managed to keep games close despite their record, especially when younger players get more minutes.
| H2H Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Overall Team Quality | Timberwolves |
| Home Court | Timberwolves |
| Motivation | Pelicans (young players proving themselves) |
| Defensive Structure | Timberwolves |
Best Betting Picks
| Pick Type | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Spread | Timberwolves -6.5 |
| Alternative Pick | Pelicans +6.5 |
| Player Prop | Derik Queen 10+ rebounds |
| Total Points Lean | Slight lean toward Over |
The Timberwolves remain the safer selection to win the game, largely due to their stronger overall system and home-court advantage. However, the Pelicans could still keep the contest competitive if their younger players bring energy and aggression.
Also see: 76ers Playoff Standings 2026: Philadelphia’s Updated Scenarios, Schedule and NBA Bracket Outlook
Final Prediction
Minnesota enters this game as the more organized and balanced team, even with several key players resting. The Timberwolves have maintained strong defensive principles throughout the season and should still control the pace at home. The Pelicans will likely rely on their young roster and players like Derik Queen to provide energy and scoring opportunities. Because both teams are missing several stars, the matchup may become faster and more open than usual. Minnesota’s depth and defensive discipline should ultimately help them close out the regular season with a victory.
Predicted Score:
Timberwolves 118 – Pelicans 110
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