New Orleans’ scoring surge meets a Minnesota defense allowing just 107.6 points per game.
Minnesota arrives at 6-3 and No. 7 in the power index, while New Orleans is 4-4 and ranked No. 13 ahead of Friday’s matchup. The Pelicans average 121.6 points per game, but the Timberwolves have allowed only 107.6; New Orleans, meanwhile, gives up 119.3 per game. Zion Williamson leads the Pelicans with 21.5 points per game, making his ability to attack Minnesota’s defense a central matchup. With Anthony Edwards out and Terrence Shannon Jr. questionable for Minnesota, the deciding factor may be whether the Timberwolves can contain Zion while keeping their own offense near its 118.8-point average.