The New Orleans Pelicans return to Target Center tonight for a second straight showdown with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After pulling off a 119-115 upset on Wednesday night, the Pelicans will aim to play spoiler in Minnesota’s playoff push.
Roster Moves
Before tonight’s game, the Pelicans welcomed back a familiar face. New Orleans signed veteran guard Elfrid Payton to a 10-day contract. Payton, who has suited up for both the Pelicans and Hornets, is expected to provide depth and playmaking after averaging 4.1 points and 5.2 assists in 13 appearances this season.
Injury Report
Unfortunately, the Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson. After lighting up Minnesota with 29 points on 12-of-16 shooting two nights ago, Williamson has been ruled out with a low back contusion. His absence removes New Orleans’ most consistent scoring threat, especially considering how dominant he’s been against the Timberwolves, averaging 28.5 points per game against them in his career.
Youth Movement
With Zion sidelined, the focus shifts once more to the Pelicans’ youth movement. Rookies Yves Missi, Karlo Matkovic, and Antonio Reeves are playing meaningful minutes, as head coach Willie Green is forced to lean into development down the stretch. Missi, in particular, stands out—he’s played the third-most minutes of any rookie leaguewide this season and has been a constant presence in the paint.
Timberwolves Outlook
On the Minnesota side, the Timberwolves are feeling the pressure. Once riding an eight-game winning streak, they’ve dropped two straight and are fighting to regain momentum. Anthony Edwards, averaging 27.6 points per game, will look to bounce back after a frustrating finish on Wednesday.
Key Numbers to Watch
The numbers offer an interesting backdrop to tonight’s matchup. New Orleans has notched just six wins this season against teams with winning records, with Wednesday’s victory being one of them. Consistency has been elusive, as evidenced by Willie Green’s use of 37 different starting lineups throughout the season. Defensively, three-point shooting is an area to monitor—Minnesota averages 15.1 made threes per game, while the Pelicans typically allow 14.7. Controlling the perimeter will be key if New Orleans hopes to repeat its midweek success.
For the Timberwolves, each game carries weight in a tightly-packed Western Conference playoff race. For the Pelicans, the remaining schedule is about building chemistry, evaluating young players, and playing spoiler when possible.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Minnesota Timberwolves | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Mike Conley | G – Jose Alvarado |
| G – Anthony Edwards | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Jaden McDdaniels | F – Zion Williamson |
| F – Julius Randle | F – Kelly Olynyk |
| C – Rudy Gobert | F – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Minnesota Timberwolves: None
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Boston (left ankle stress reaction), Herb Jones (right shoulder torn rotator cuff), Trey Murphy (right shoulder), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), and Zion Williamson (low back contusion) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (19-51) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (40-31)
Season Series:
- Jan. 7: Timberwolves def. Pelicans, 104-97
- Mar. 19: Pelicans def. Timberwolves, 119-115
- Mar. 21: Pelicans at Timberwolves
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 40-37 all-time against the Minnesota Timberwolves and have won three of four.
Where: Target Center
When: Mar. 21, 7:00 PM CT
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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