Preview

NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — The surging Minnesota Timberwolves, fresh off a statement win over the Boston Celtics, will face the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday at Smoothie King Center. The Timberwolves (11-8) enter the contest with momentum after a 119-115 victory over the Celtics on Saturday. Anthony Edwards led the charge with 39 points and five assists, while Julius Randle added 16 points and nine rebounds. Minnesota has won three of its last five games. Conversely, the Pelicans (3-17) are mired in a deep slump, having lost eight of their last nine contests. They are coming off a 104-96 road loss to the Golden State Warriors, where Zion Williamson scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Saddiq Bey added 21 points in the losing effort. The matchup pits one of the league’s hottest teams against one of its coldest. Edwards, averaging 39 points in his last outing, will be the focal point for a Timberwolves offense that has shown explosive potential. The Pelicans will rely on Williamson to power an offense that has struggled to keep pace with opponents consistently this season. Tuesday’s game is the first of a two-game set between the teams in New Orleans, with a rematch scheduled for Thursday.