- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: January 7, 2025
- Who: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)
Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves, and all eyes will be on Zion Williamson as he makes his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since November 6.
The Pelicans, who have struggled mightily this season with a dismal 7-29 record, are looking to build on their recent momentum after snapping an 11-game losing streak with back-to-back wins against the Washington Wizards.
Minnesota
On the other hand, the Timberwolves are coming off a hard-fought victory against the LA Clippers, where Anthony Edwards showcased his scoring prowess.
Edwards has been on a tear, scoring 37 points in that game, and he’ll likely draw a lot of attention from the Pelicans’ defense.
This could lead to Williamson being less involved in the offense as the team looks to contain Edwards and other key players like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle.
Additionally, the matchup itself is intriguing. Herb Jones, the Pelicans’ best defender, is expected to take on the challenge of guarding Edwards, which could lead to mismatches elsewhere on the court.
second night of a back-to-back. pic.twitter.com/gntmT8keOD
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 7, 2025
If Williamson is tasked with finding his rhythm while also adjusting to the defensive schemes, it might limit his scoring opportunities. The Pelicans have also been known to struggle with offensive rebounds, which could lead to fewer second-chance points for Williamson.
Finally, let’s not forget the psychological aspect of returning from injury. Williamson has faced significant pressure throughout his career, and while he’s undoubtedly talented, the weight of expectations can be heavy.
He’ll want to make an impact, but it’s reasonable to expect some rust in his game after such a long layoff. The Pelicans will likely ease him back into the rotation, and that could mean fewer shot attempts and less time on the floor.
New Orleans
First off, let’s talk about the context. The Pelicans are at home, and they’re getting their best player back, which usually spells good news for the team.
However, the reality is that Williamson has been out for over two months, and while he’s shown flashes of brilliance in the past, it’s crucial to consider how he’ll fit back into the lineup after such a long absence.
In the six games he played earlier this season, he averaged 22.7 points, but that was before the injury. Coming back from a hamstring issue, it’s likely that he’ll be on a minutes restriction, especially in his first game back.
Zion returns tonight ???? pic.twitter.com/UkVYCX5h37
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 7, 2025
Moreover, the Pelicans have been finding their rhythm without him, particularly with CJ McCollum stepping up in a big way. McCollum has been on fire, scoring 50 points in one game and leading a balanced scoring effort in another.
With McCollum and other players like Dejounte Murray contributing significantly, Williamson might not need to carry the scoring load right away.
The team is also dealing with other injury concerns, which could affect how they utilize Williamson in the game.
Timberwolves-Pelicans Best Bet
The Pelicans are looking to build on their recent success and Williamson’s return is a positive sign.
The combination of limited minutes, the team’s current offensive dynamics, and the pressure of returning from injury all point towards a cautious approach for Williamson tonight.
With the Pelicans +4.5 points at -110 odds for this line at BetMGM, it’s a smart play to consider as we watch how this game unfolds.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
