NBA · Final

Timberwolves Edge Pelicans in Close Contest

126

132

Sunday, April 12, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Target Center

Minnesota Timberwolves 132, New Orleans Pelicans 126, 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 New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves?

Minnesota Timberwolves beat New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 at Target Center on April 12, 2026.

Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves?

Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.

In a thrilling matchup at the Target Center, the Minnesota Timberwolves narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 132-126. This victory allowed the Timberwolves to maintain their dominance over the Pelicans in the season series, finishing with a 3-1 record against them. The Timberwolves, who ended the regular season with a strong home record of 49-33, showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after a recent win against the Houston Rockets just two days prior.

The Timberwolves entered this game with a mixed form, having a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They averaged 112.2 points scored per game while allowing 112.1 points. Their recent performances included a notable win against the Rockets, where they scored 136 points, but they also faced defeats against teams like the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers. At home, Minnesota had struggled slightly, recording a 1-2 home record in their last three games leading up to this contest.

On the other hand, the Pelicans have been struggling significantly, finishing the season with a record of 26-56. In their last ten games, they managed only one win against the Utah Jazz, resulting in a dismal 1-9 record. Their scoring average during this stretch was 113.9 points, but they also allowed an average of 124.2 points per game, highlighting their defensive issues. The Pelicans' away record was particularly concerning, as they had lost all six of their most recent road games.

The Timberwolves were without Donte DiVincenzo due to an Achilles injury, which impacted their depth. Meanwhile, the Pelicans had two players, Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens, listed as day-to-day, adding uncertainty to their lineup. These injuries could have influenced the strategies employed by both teams during the game.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored the Timberwolves, placing them as 3.5-point favorites with a money line of -180. The total for the game was set at 239.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The odds reflected the Timberwolves' stronger record and home-court advantage, despite their recent inconsistencies.

In terms of previous meetings, the Timberwolves had won three of the last four encounters against the Pelicans, including a decisive 134-93 victory earlier in the 2025 season. This history likely played a role in the Timberwolves' confidence heading into this matchup.

The game itself was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Key moments included a series of free throws by Terrence Shannon Jr. in the fourth quarter, which helped the Timberwolves maintain their edge as the game drew to a close. Shannon's performance at the line was critical, as he converted several crucial free throws that kept the Pelicans at bay.

Fans watching the game were treated to a showcase of scoring prowess, particularly from the Timberwolves, who executed well in the clutch moments. Jeremiah Fears contributed with a reverse layup that sealed the victory for Minnesota, underscoring the importance of timely scoring in close games.

Overall, this matchup was a testament to the Timberwolves' ability to capitalize on their home advantage and their historical success against the Pelicans, while also highlighting the challenges faced by New Orleans as they look to rebuild and improve for the next season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	MIN -3.5	239.5 o -105 / u -115	New Orleans Pelicans +150 · Minnesota Timberwolves -180

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans

Leaders

PointsTerrence Shannon Jr.26Minnesota Timberwolves
AssistsJoe Ingles10Minnesota Timberwolves
ReboundsJoan Beringer13Minnesota Timberwolves
PointsJeremiah Fears36New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsJeremiah Fears5New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsDerik Queen22New Orleans Pelicans

Recent form

Minnesota Timberwolves

Last 10: 5-5Streak W1112.2 scored · 112.1 allowed per game1-2 at home

W136-132at Houston RocketsApr 11
L120-132at Orlando MagicApr 8
W124-104at Indiana PacersApr 7
L108-122vs Charlotte HornetsApr 5
L103-115at Philadelphia 76ersApr 3
L108-113at Detroit PistonsApr 2
W124-94at Dallas MavericksMar 31
L87-109vs Detroit PistonsMar 28
W110-108vs Houston RocketsMar 26
W102-92at Boston CelticsMar 23

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 1-9Streak L1113.9 scored · 124.2 allowed per game0-6 away

L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4
L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
L102-134vs Houston RocketsMar 29
L106-119at Toronto RaptorsMar 28
L108-129at Detroit PistonsMar 26
L116-121at New York KnicksMar 24
L106-111vs Cleveland CavaliersMar 21

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
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
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

Box score

Stat	New Orleans Pelicans	Minnesota Timberwolves
Field goals	45-107	45-89
Field goal %	42	51
Three-pointers	5-21	10-37
Three-point %	24	27
Free throws	31-38	32-43
Free throw %	82	74
Rebounds	52	47
Offensive rebounds	20	12
Defensive rebounds	32	35
Assists	20	32
Steals	9	5
Blocks	6	13
Turnovers	9	11
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	11	21
Fast-break points	18	10
Points in the paint	72	68
Fouls	28	27
Largest lead	0	16
Lead changes	0	0
Time in front	0	99

How the scoring went

4th Quarter92-104Zyon Pullin makes 25-foot three point jumper (Julian Phillips assists)
4th Quarter94-104Derik Queen makes 1-foot dunk
4th Quarter94-106Julian Phillips makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
4th Quarter94-108Terrence Shannon Jr. makes 4-foot two point shot
4th Quarter95-108Micah Peavy makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter96-108Micah Peavy makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter97-108Micah Peavy makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter99-108Josh Oduro makes tip shot
4th Quarter99-110Joan Beringer makes 2-foot two point shot (Joe Ingles assists)
4th Quarter102-110Trey Alexander makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter102-111Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter102-112Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter104-112Micah Peavy makes two point shot
4th Quarter104-114Joan Beringer makes layup (Zyon Pullin assists)
4th Quarter106-114Micah Peavy makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter106-116Joan Beringer makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Jaylen Clark assists)
4th Quarter108-116Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
4th Quarter110-116Trey Alexander makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Josh Oduro assists)
4th Quarter112-116Trey Alexander makes running layup (Josh Oduro assists)
4th Quarter112-118Zyon Pullin makes 1-foot driving dunk
4th Quarter112-119Joan Beringer makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter112-120Joan Beringer makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter112-122Joan Beringer makes 2-foot two point shot (Joe Ingles assists)
4th Quarter114-122Micah Peavy makes tip shot
4th Quarter114-123Joan Beringer makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter114-124Joan Beringer makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter116-124Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
4th Quarter117-124Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter117-125Enrique Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter119-125Derik Queen makes tip shot
4th Quarter119-126Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter121-126Trey Alexander makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Micah Peavy assists)
4th Quarter121-127Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter121-128Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter121-129Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter121-130Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter124-130Derik Queen makes 26-foot three point shot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter124-131Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter124-132Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter126-132Jeremiah Fears makes 1-foot reverse layup

Win probability

Above the line favours Minnesota Timberwolves, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.