The Timberwolves come into town to face a Pelicans team that has an excellent chance to make up ground on the Thunder.  The Timberwolves have been largely hapless (by design) this season, particularly without their floor general, Ricky Rubio.  Rubio is currently doubtful for today’s game and the Pelicans should roll over a Timberwolves team that is building for tomorrow, not today.

That is not to say that they don’t have talent. Andrew Wiggins is going to be a star in the NBA for years to come, and there really isn’t anyone on the Pelicans that matches up well with him.  Of course, he is also a rookie and the talent differential between the Pelicans and the Timberwolves today is likely too great for him to beat us.

The Timberwolves are without a true facilitator and much punch today – particularly if Kevin Martin (questionable) also does not play.  Beating them should be very simple – take care of the ball, play attentive defense, clean the glass, and walk out of today’s game with a narrower gap between us and OKC.  The Timberwolves will work to stay in the game if you let them, but just don’t have much ammo to use and it’s hard to see how they can hang with the Pels.