Timberwolves Defeat Pelicans 125-116 in NBA Clash
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
Minnesota Timberwolves 125, New Orleans Pelicans 116, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Minnesota Timberwolves beat New Orleans Pelicans 125-116 at Smoothie King Center on December 4, 2025.
Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -575 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a matchup that highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-116 at the Smoothie King Center. This victory marked the Timberwolves' third consecutive win and extended their lead in the season series against the Pelicans to 3-0.
The Timberwolves entered the game with a solid away record of 14-8, while the Pelicans struggled at home with a dismal record of 3-20. Minnesota's recent form has been strong, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, averaging 119.9 points scored and allowing 115.1 points per game. In contrast, the Pelicans have faced challenges, going 1-9 in their last ten outings, with an average of 117.6 points scored and 125.7 points allowed.
The game saw the Timberwolves take control early, building a lead that they maintained throughout. Their last five games had shown a scoring average of 122.0 points, and they continued this trend against the Pelicans. The Timberwolves' scoring was bolstered by their ability to capitalize on defensive lapses from New Orleans, who have allowed an average of 129.8 points in their last five games.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans were without Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens, both listed as Day-To-Day, while the Timberwolves missed Donte DiVincenzo due to an Achilles injury. The absence of DiVincenzo was a notable factor for Minnesota, but they managed to secure the win regardless.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Timberwolves were favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 232.5. The odds reflected the Timberwolves' strong performance this season compared to the struggling Pelicans. The final score of 125-116 fell just short of the total, showcasing a competitive yet ultimately decisive game.
The match featured several key scoring plays in the fourth quarter, including a crucial three-point jumper by Naz Reid that pushed Minnesota's lead to 125-114, solidifying their control as the game drew to a close. The Pelicans fought back with a few late baskets, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Overall, this game served as a reminder of the Timberwolves' upward trajectory in the league, while the Pelicans continue to search for answers as they navigate a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -11.5 | 232.5 o -115 / u -105 | Minnesota Timberwolves -575 · New Orleans Pelicans +425 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
Leaders
- PointsTrey Murphy III21New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsTrey Murphy III8New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsTrey Murphy III7New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsJulius Randle28Minnesota Timberwolves
- AssistsNaz Reid6Minnesota Timberwolves
- ReboundsRudy Gobert12Minnesota Timberwolves
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 1-9Streak L4117.6 scored · 125.7 allowed per game1-6 at home
- L142-149vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 3
- L121-133at Los Angeles LakersDec 1
- L96-104at Golden State WarriorsNov 30
- L128-133vs Memphis GrizzliesNov 27
- W143-130vs Chicago BullsNov 25
- L98-115vs Atlanta HawksNov 23
- L115-118at Dallas MavericksNov 22
- L118-125vs Denver NuggetsNov 20
- L109-126vs Oklahoma City ThunderNov 18
- L106-124vs Golden State WarriorsNov 17
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last 10: 6-4Streak W3119.9 scored · 115.1 allowed per game1-3 away
- W149-142at New Orleans PelicansDec 3
- W125-112vs San Antonio SpursDec 1
- W119-115vs Boston CelticsNov 29
- L105-113at Oklahoma City ThunderNov 27
- L112-117at Sacramento KingsNov 25
- L113-114at Phoenix SunsNov 22
- W120-109vs Washington WizardsNov 20
- W120-96vs Dallas MavericksNov 18
- L112-123vs Denver NuggetsNov 16
- W124-110vs Sacramento KingsNov 15
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Timberwolves | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 42-92 | 43-95 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 15-38 | 7-25 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 28 |
| Free throws | 26-29 | 23-26 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 49 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 37 | 35 |
| Assists | 30 | 29 |
| Steals | 5 | 11 |
| Blocks | 10 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 23 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 68 |
| Fouls | 22 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 59 | 28 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter83-83Rudy Gobert makes 1-foot dunk
- 3rd Quarter83-85Jose Alvarado makes 13-foot driving floating jump shot (Karlo Matkovic assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-88Jordan Hawkins makes 25-foot three point shot (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-88Jaylen Clark makes 1-foot dunk
- 3rd Quarter86-88Jaylen Clark makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter87-88Naz Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-88Naz Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-90Karlo Matkovic makes alley oop dunk shot (Jordan Hawkins assists)
- 4th Quarter88-91Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-91Naz Reid makes 26-foot three point shot (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
- 4th Quarter93-91Jaden McDaniels makes two point shot (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
- 4th Quarter96-91Naz Reid makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- 4th Quarter98-91Naz Reid makes 1-foot dunk (Anthony Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter100-91Jaden McDaniels makes driving layup (Naz Reid assists)
- 4th Quarter103-91Anthony Edwards makes 23-foot three point jumper (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter103-93Jeremiah Fears makes 1-foot two point shot (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter104-93Anthony Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-93Anthony Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-95Saddiq Bey makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter107-95Julius Randle makes driving layup (Naz Reid assists)
- 4th Quarter107-97Saddiq Bey makes 1-foot driving dunk (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter110-97Donte DiVincenzo makes 25-foot three point jumper (Naz Reid assists)
- 4th Quarter110-99Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 4th Quarter112-99Jaden McDaniels makes 1-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter112-101Trey Murphy III makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter112-103Saddiq Bey makes driving layup (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 4th Quarter114-103Jaden McDaniels makes 1-foot dunk (Anthony Edwards assists)
- 4th Quarter114-105Saddiq Bey makes layup
- 4th Quarter117-105Donte DiVincenzo makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- 4th Quarter117-106Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-107Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-107Julius Randle makes layup (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- 4th Quarter120-107Julius Randle makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter120-110Jose Alvarado makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter120-112Saddiq Bey makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter121-112Jaden McDaniels makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-112Jaden McDaniels makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-114Jeremiah Fears makes dunk (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 4th Quarter125-114Naz Reid makes 23-foot three point jumper (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter125-116Jeremiah Fears makes two point shot (Jose Alvarado assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance16459
- OfficialsBill Kennedy, Phenizee Ransom, CJ Washington
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