MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES AT NEW ORLEANS PELICANS Wednesday, Nov. 1 (7 p.m.)
Why it’s on the list
It hasn’t quite come to fruition yet, but Timberwolves-Pelicans has the makings
of a compelling rivalry in the West. Last season, ESPN chose to broadcast one of
the Minnesota-New Orleans games, partly to feature the matchup between former
Kentucky standouts Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Davis. It’s a bit surprising
that this Wednesday encounter wasn’t also picked up by ESPN for a midweek
telecast, but the network instead chose to air a Nov. 1 doubleheader that begins
with Houston-New York. Davis has terrorized the Wolves often in the past,
including scoring 42 and 45 points in separate games against Minnesota last
season. New Orleans went 3-0 vs. Minnesota, but the Wolves have brought in some
serious reinforcements, most notably trading for Jimmy Butler. The high-scoring
and athletic wing averaged 33.5 points vs. the Pelicans in two Chicago victories
last season.
Where it falls on the New Orleans schedule
This is the final game of a third-game homestand for the Pelicans that begins
with tilts against teams on opposite ends of the East spectrum, Cleveland and
Orlando. Head-to-head games – especially at home – against West teams such as
Minnesota, Portland, Memphis, Denver, Utah and the Clippers could be of great
importance for New Orleans, as it tries to climb the standings and reach the
playoffs. Following the Nov. 1 matchup with the Timberwolves, the Pelicans head
out for a four-game road trip that stops in Dallas, Chicago, Indiana and
Toronto.
What’s new in Minnesota
The Timberwolves were expected by many to make a big jump under first-year head
coach Tom Thibodeau last season, but it didn’t happen, with defensive woes a
major culprit behind the lack of progress (26th in efficiency, via NBA.com).
This offseason, Minnesota is again projected to be one of the NBA’s most
improved teams, this time fortified by proven veterans and a big
difference-maker in Butler. Along with Butler forming a talented and
high-scoring trio with Towns and Andrew Wiggins, the Timberwolves upgraded at
several other spots. Point guard Jeff Teague will replace Ricky Rubio (traded to
Utah) in the starting lineup, joining Taj Gibson and Jamal Crawford as Minnesota
newcomers who’ve made major contributions to perennial playoff teams.
Other 2017-18 games between these two teams
Wednesday, Nov. 29, Minnesota at New Orleans Saturday, Jan. 6, New Orleans at
Minnesota Saturday, Feb. 3, New Orleans at Minnesota
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