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Pelicans vs. Timberwolves prediction: Why Minnesota is favored to win Sunday's NBA matchup [4/12/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves predictions for NBA Sunday.
NBA action continues on Sunday at 8:30 PM ET as the New Orleans Pelicans take on the favored Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Based on updated simulation results and today’s injury reports, Dimers' advanced NBA model predicts the Timberwolves as the most likely winner of the Pelicans vs. Timberwolves game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Timberwolves lineup will feature stars like Terrence Shannon, Joan Beringer and Julian Phillips, while the Pelicans will look to Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole and Derik Queen.
This article offers further insights into Sunday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Pelicans vs. Wolves prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Sunday's NBA game between the Pelicans and Timberwolves, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Timberwolves a 65% chance of defeating the Pelicans. Our predicted final score has the Timberwolves winning 120-115.
According to our model, the Pelicans (+5) have a 53% chance of covering the spread, while the 236.5-point over/under has a 52% chance of staying under.
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Pelicans | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +5 (-110) | -5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +195 | -225 |
| Total | o236.5 (-114) | u236.5 (-106) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans +5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans | +195 |
| Total | Under 236.5 | -106 |
According to our best NBA bets for Sunday, the top play to make on this game is Pelicans to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves player props
NBA prop bets are a great way to wager on Sunday's New Orleans vs. Minnesota game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Target Center.
Jeremiah Fears is expected to lead the Pelicans with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Terrence Shannon is projected to have 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists for the Timberwolves.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Pelicans prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Pelicans are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Fears | 21 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 44 |
| Jordan Poole | 18 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 34 |
| Derik Queen | 15 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 45 |
| Micah Peavy | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 26 |
| Jordan Hawkins | 9 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 20 |
Timberwolves prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Timberwolves:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T. Shannon | 16 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 29 |
| Joan Beringer | 14 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 34 |
| Julian Phillips | 12 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 25 |
| Jaylen Clark | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 27 |
| Zyon Pullin | 11 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
Pelicans vs. Wolves game-day updates and essential details
Sunday's game between the Timberwolves and Pelicans at Target Center is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET.
- Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Time: 8:30 PM ET/5:30PM PT
- Venue: Target Center
Conclusion
We predict the Timberwolves, with a 65% win probability, will likely beat the Pelicans in Sunday's NBA matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.
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