Timberwolves at Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans take aim at their sixth consecutive victory
over Minnesota when they host the Timberwolves on Tuesday. New Orleans
has endured a tough season but has a chance to gain some momentum as the
contest is the opener of a seven-game homestand.
The Pelicans haven't won more than three straight games all season and missed a chance to equal that season-best streak when they fell 101-99 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. New Orleans is 14 games below .500 but has an 8-9 home mark so making up some ground in the Western Conference playoff race remains a possibility. Minnesota snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 117-87 rout of the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The 30-point margin of victory was easily the team's largest of the campaign.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (13-29): The victory over Phoenix was Minnesota's first since Dec. 30 and it certainly reduced some tension that had been plaguing the squad. "It's tough when you lose nine games in a row," interim coach Sam Mitchell told reporters. "One thing I give the group credit for, they don't hang their head. They don't point fingers. They come to work every day and work on their game and try to become a better basketball team. But you need some wins along the way to verify the hard work you're putting in." The Timberwolves have lost six consecutive road games — including a double-digit loss to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (13-27): Standout power forward Anthony Davis is averaging 22.3 points in three games since returning from a back injury but has averaged just 6.5 rebounds in the past two games. New Orleans is hoping Davis can avoid the periodic injuries he has been bothered with this season and can start carrying the squad the way he did last season when the Pelicans made the playoffs. Point guard Jrue Holiday had 23 points and nine assists against the Grizzlies and has 29 assists against six turnovers during the past three games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Pelicans won last season's four meetings by an average of 22.5 points, including a 139-91 victory.
2. New Orleans G Tyreke Evans (knee) sat out Monday's loss and his availability for the Timberwolves will be decided Tuesday.
3. Minnesota PG Ricky Rubio scored 18 points against the Suns — his second-best effort behind the 28 he scored in the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.