The New Orleans Pelicans are on the brink of their first three-game win streak since April of last season as they prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. After suffering through an 11-game losing streak, the Pelicans have taken back-to-back victories for only the second time this season, leaning on a pair of standout performances from CJ McCollum and improved play on the defensive end.
All Eyes on “Z”
As is usually the case, all eyes are on Zion Williamson, who will be available for Tuesday’s matchup after missing the last 27 games with a left hamstring strain. Williamson has played just six games this season, averaging 22.7 points and posting career highs in rebounding (8.0) and assists (5.3).
Williamson’s absence has been felt for the Pelicans, particularly on the offensive end (New Orleans ranks 28th in offensive efficiency). His return could provide a much-needed spark and balance for a team that has been dependent on perimeter scoring.
The Pels rank 20th in points in the paint this season (46.8), down from 10th (51.3) a season ago. That would certainly be bolstered by reinserting Williamson’s 15.0 points per game inside.
New Orleans, however, will be without Trey Murphy III, who left Sunday’s win over the Washington Wizards with an ankle injury. His status is listed as day-to-day. Murphy has been playing some of the best basketball of his career over the past month, averaging 23.8 points (39.1 3P%), 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Recent Success and CJ McCollum’s Hot Streak
The Pelicans’ uptick in play has been fueled by CJ McCollum, who has been playing at an All-NBA level over the past five games. McCollum is averaging 32.4 (51.9 3P%) points during that stretch, ranking third in the league behind Nikola Jokić (36.6) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (34.0). His 50-point outburst against the Wizards on Friday, including 10 made three-pointers, tied his career-high.
“CJ has been phenomenal for us,” Green said. “He’s been leading this team offensively, and his shooting has really opened up opportunities for others.”
In addition to McCollum, point guard Dejounte Murray has stepped up as a playmaker, with 24 assists over the last two games. He’s also reduced his turnovers and is sharing the basketball effectively. Having Jose Alvarado back has been a major help with the ballhandling duties, with Alvarado posting six assists and no turnovers since his return on Jan. 3.
The team’s defense has also shown improvement, holding the Wizards to under 100 points in their last game. While there’s still plenty of work to be done, the Pelicans appear to be trending in the right direction. Over the past five games, New Orleans’ defensive rating is 22nd in the NBA (116.8), up from its season ranking of 29th (117.8).
Taking on the T’Wolves
The Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference Final a season ago, but have struggled to recapture the magic this season, and have won only four of their last ten games. Led by All-Star Anthony Edwards, Minnesota also features defensive anchor Rudy Gobert and All-Star Julius Randle. Edwards is averaging 25.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, giving the team a potential MVP candidate and one of the league’s deadliest perimeter threats.
Minnesota’s three-point shooting has been a significant advantage this season. The Timberwolves average 15.1 made three-pointers per game, compared to the 14.1 threes the Pelicans allow. Overall, the Timberwolves have been unable to replicate the offensive success they had last season, but remain among the best at stopping other teams from scoring, ranking 10th in defensive rating.
Key Matchups
- CJ McCollum vs. Anthony Edwards
Both McCollum and Edwards are their team’s primary offensive engines. McCollum’s recent scoring spree has been critical to the Pelicans’ resurgence, but Edwards’ ability to score at all three levels will test New Orleans’ defense. - Rudy Gobert vs. Yves Missi
The battle in the paint will be pivotal. Gobert’s rim protection and rebounding will challenge Missi, who is averaging 3.8 offensive rebounds per game. - Pelicans’ Perimeter Defense vs. Timberwolves’ Shooters
Minnesota’s three-point shooting could decide the outcome of this one. The Pelicans must find a way to contain the Timberwolves from deep while continuing their recent improvement on the defensive end.
The Last Word
The Pelicans’ ability to secure a third straight win will depend on several factors: Zion Williamson’s availability, CJ McCollum’s continued dominance, and the team’s defensive effort. The Timberwolves, however, present a tough challenge with their depth, three-point shooting, and Edwards’ star power.
With Zion suiting up, it should energize the home crowd at the Smoothie King Center and give New Orleans the edge they need in this Western Conference showdown. Regardless of the outcome, the game represents a significant opportunity for the Pelicans to build on their recent momentum and make a statement against a quality opponent.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Minnesota Timberwolves | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Donte DiVincenzo | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Anthony Edwards | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Jaden McDaniels | F – Herb Jones |
| F – Julius Randle | F – Trey Murphy |
| C – Rudy Gobert | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Minnesota Timberwolves: Luka Garza (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE. Rob Dillingham (ankle) is OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (right elbow soreness), Karlo Matkovic (low back disc protrusion), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are QUESTIONABLE. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) and Trey Murphy (left ankle sprain) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (7–29) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (18-17)
Season Series:
- Jan. 7: Pelicans vs Timberwolves
- Mar. 19: Pelicans @ Timberwolves
- Mar. 21: Pelicans @ Timberwolves
Series History: The Pelicans are 39-36 all-time against the Minnesota Timberwolves and have won two in a row against the Wolves. They split their series (2-2) with Minnesota last season.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Jan. 7, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Pelicans+
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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