Timberwolves Look to Capitalize on Pelicans Matchup

Minnesota aims to build on recent road win in Toronto with a strong home performance against New Orleans

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off an impressive road win over the Toronto Raptors, ending a 22-year drought in the city. Now, they return home to face the New Orleans Pelicans, a team they narrowly defeated in overtime earlier this season. The Wolves are looking to capitalize on this opportunity and establish themselves as a serious playoff contender in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

This game represents a chance for the Timberwolves to build momentum and solidify their position in the standings. The Pelicans are a team the Wolves should be able to handle, but they've shown a tendency to play down to their competition at times. A professional, focused effort from Minnesota could help them distance themselves from the pack in the tight Western Conference playoff race.

The details

The Timberwolves made a couple of moves at the trade deadline, sending Mike Conley Jr. to the Chicago Bulls and acquiring Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips. These additions are aimed at shoring up the team's depth and ball-handling, especially with an eye towards the playoffs. Minnesota will need to come out with energy and intensity from the opening tip, avoiding the slow starts that have plagued them against lesser opponents. Strong perimeter defense and a dominant performance in the paint will be keys to the Wolves' success.

  • The Timberwolves and Pelicans first met on January 25th, 2026, with Minnesota needing overtime to secure the victory.
  • This rematch will take place on February 6th, 2026 at 7:00 PM CST in Minneapolis.

The players

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' star guard, who hit the game-winning shots to lead Minnesota to victory in Toronto.

Rudy Gobert

The veteran center who will be tasked with controlling the paint and the glass against the Pelicans' frontcourt.

Derik Queen

The Pelicans' rookie forward who gave the Timberwolves problems in the earlier matchup between the two teams.

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What they’re saying

“Twenty-two years. A curse that was old enough to buy a drink and play craps in Vegas.”

— Anthony Edwards (Canis Hoopus)

“This is where the Wolves have repeatedly gotten themselves in trouble: they play with half-energy, they let the other team feel comfortable, and suddenly you're in a possession game late where randomness can steal it from you.”

— Derek Hanson, Author (Canis Hoopus)

What’s next

The Timberwolves will look to build on this game with a tough stretch of contests against playoff-caliber teams in the coming weeks, including matchups with the Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Suns.

The takeaway

This game against the Pelicans represents a chance for the Timberwolves to show they have learned from their past mistakes and can consistently bring the necessary focus and intensity to beat the teams they are expected to handle. A professional, dominant performance would be a strong statement about Minnesota's playoff aspirations.