Pelicans at Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves look to continue their longest home winning streak in 14 years when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. A 108-89 victory over Milwaukee on Thursday gave the Timberwolves 11 straight victories at the Target Center, three shy of a run accompished during the 2003-04 season.
"We want to make it hard to play here, hard to win here," All-Star Jimmy Butler told reporters after a 28-point performance against the Bucks. "I think we've been doing a great job of that as of late. It's one win. We've got another one coming up on Saturday and we need that one too." Minnesota has won all three meetings with the Pelicans and those were before All-Star DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) was lost for the season for New Orleans. The Pelicans lost their first two games without Cousins before picking up an impressive 114-100 victory at Oklahoma City on Friday behind 43 points and 10 rebounds from Anthony Davis. E'Twaun Moore added 26 points while making all four of his 3-point tries as New Orleans won for the fourth time in its last five road games.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, FS North Plus (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (28-23): Davis had been passing out of more double teams in the first two games without Cousins, leading to 11 assists, but he was aggressive from the start against the Thunder and tied his season high with 34 shot attempts. His jumper early in the fourth quarter gave New Orleans an 11-point advantage and made him the new franchise scoring leader, eclipsing David West (8,690). "I don't think that's much of a surprise to anyone, it was just a matter of time," coach Alvin Gentry said. "I thought he played great."
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (33-22): With the Super Bowl this Sunday in Minneapolis, many notable figures were present for Thursday's game - including New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, boxer Floyd Mayweather and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown - and Saturday could see more of the same buzz in the arena. "It's funny, the Super Bowl brings out all the celebrities," center Karl-Anthony Towns - who had 24 points and 11 rebounds against Milwaukee - told the media. "It was very cool for all the celebrities who are not accustomed to coming out to Minnesota getting to watch the game in our house, and it's awesome." Towns averaged 6.5 points on 5-of-14 shooting in two games at New Orleans earlier in the season before posting 21 points while making 3-of-3 3-pointers and 16 boards in a 116-98 win over the Pelicans at home Jan. 6.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Butler is averaging 24.5 points in four games since returning from a knee injury and he is attempting an average of 11 free throws in that span.
2. Pelicans PG Rajon Rondo had 13 assists Friday, eclipsing his total from the previous three games combined.
3. Minnesota is 14-1 at home against Western Conference opponents.