NBA BetStream returns to NBA League Pass on Tuesday night as DraftKings Sportsbook and the Action Network bring you the invested sports fan's view of Timberwolves at Pelicans.
The Pelicans get a big boost as Zion Williams is slated to return for his first action in weeks. With CJ McCollum back alongside Zion, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, the Pelicans will look a lot more like what they expected coming into the season after a tough start.
Meanwhile, the Wolves are on a back-to-back and coming off a thrilling win over the Clippers as they continue to battle through adversity. Here's a look at how to bet Wolves-Pelicans before tuning into the NBA BetStream tonight!
TIMBERWOLVES AT CLIPPERS EDGES
CJ MCFLAMETHROWER
CJ McCollum has been on fire, scoring at least 20 in each of his past five games — including a 50-burger vs. the Wizards over the weekend. The Pelicans are slowly putting it together and Zion Williamson's return will only help.
McCollum has scored 20 or more against the Wolves in the past four matchups. With Rudy Gobert in drop coverage, McCollum is one of the best in the league at finding pull-up jumpers. McCollum is in the 63rd percentile as a pick-and-roll scorer this season.
BET: McCollum 21+ Points (-125)
ZION BACK
Zion's also had success against Minnesota, though he's only played the Wolves twice since they added Gobert, putting up 36 and 27 in his those two games.
But Williamson is almost definitely on a minutes restriction, so you'll want to avoid his props. We won't know exactly what that restriction will look like or how often he'll play next to standout rookie Yves Missi, so both of their props are ones you want to stay away from.
TRENDING UP
The Pelicans have played better as of late, even if that's partially impacted by a soft schedule. The Pelicans offense has been ahead of their defense, however. I project this game to the under at 217.9 vs. the 223 line, but with Zion back and how the Pelicans have played lately, I'm tenuous on it.
I do like the Pelicans' team total over at 109.5, which means I also have to like the Pels to hang within the number.
BET: Pelicans +4.5, Under 222.5, Pelicans Team Total Over 109.5
INTERIOR DEFICIENCY
The Pelicans are bottom-five in second-chance points and points-in-the-paint allowed. Williamson will help with his rebounding, but that's still an area of weakness for New Orleans.
Julius Randle averages 3.2 second-chance points and 9.7 points in the paint per 100 possessions. I'll play his over as well.
BET: Randle Over 20.5
SPOT HOLES
The one thing the Pelicans have done at a great level this season is defend catch-and-shoot 3s. They allow the 11th-lowest percentage on spot-up 3s this season via Synergy Sports. Jaden McDaniels has really struggled shooting this season and I don't expect that to improve here.
PICK: McDaniels under 1.5 made threes (-160)
Catch the NBA BetStream tonight on League Pass!
