'Trust' Is Important For Pelicans Stars Versus Timberwolves
New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans (6-6) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-3) Saturday night in the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans comes off two straight victories over the top teams in the Western Conference and must "trust" one another as they face the Wolves. "Trust. We're starting to trust each other," Zion Williamson said following beating Denver. "Sometimes, we get lost in our own self. But our trust is starting to get there." Minnesota hasn't played a game since Wednesday, traveled to NOLA early, and will be well-rested for tonight's matchup against the Pels.
New Orleans is on a revenge tour of sorts. Their last two victories were against teams they previously lost to early in the season. This presents another opportunity for New Orleans to beat a team that defeated them earlier. Minnesota grabbed a 122-101 victory over the Pelicans on Nov. 8.
Zion Williamson missed that contest in anticipation of the birth of his daughter. Without him, New Orleans fell apart at the beginning of the game. Minnesota jumped out to a 28-point halftime lead and cruised to victory. Williamson averages 28.5 points and 7.2 rebounds in his career against the Wolves.
The Pelicans also missed Herb Jones in that contest, and there is a theme trending when he plays. New Orleans is 6-2 in games that Jones plays but is 0-4 when he does not.
Nov 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the net against the New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels (11) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Following the Pelicans' Friday night victory over Denver, Williamson told reporters part of New Orleans turnaround is the trust they've shown in each other. That trust will get put to the test against an elite Timberwolves defense. Minnesota is No. 2 in the NBA in opponent points per game (105.6), No. 1 in opponent field goal percentage (43.4), and No. 1 in defensive efficiency.
New Orleans may get a boost of energy with the possible return of Jose Alvarado. His injury status was upgraded to doubtful for Friday evening's game versus the Nuggets. Coach Willie Green says it's not out of the realm of possibility that Alvarado could see his first action of the season this weekend. Alvarado's return would give the team another ball handler to navigate the stiff Minnesota defense. He led all bench players in assists per game a year ago.
The Pelicans must find a way to contend with Anthony Edwards. The Wolves All-NBA forward is averaging a career-high 26.3 points and 5.2 assists per game. He scored a game-high 26 points in the first matchup and was +35 on the floor that evening. Look for Herb Jones and Dyson Daniels to spend the majority of time guarding Edwards. Daniels currently leads the NBA in deflections with 43 on the season.
New Orleans is currently in the midst of a six-game homestand. After Saturday night's contest, they host the Sacramento Kings two straight times at home.
