The Minnesota Timberwolves protected their home floor with a hard-fought 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. In a game defined by relentless offensive pressure, Minnesota managed to maintain their composure through a back-and-forth affair to secure the win. The Pelicans remained competitive until the final buzzer but could not overcome the Timberwolves' late-game efficiency in this 2025-26 season NBA Regular Season matchup.

The decisive moment

Minnesota broke open a tightly contested fourth quarter by stringing together several critical stops and converting on the other end. The Timberwolves utilized their depth to maintain a narrow lead as the clock wound down, preventing New Orleans from finding the go-ahead bucket. This poise in the final minutes allowed the home team to extend the margin to six and effectively seal the game.

By the numbers

  • Final Score: Minnesota Timberwolves 132, New Orleans Pelicans 126
  • Margin of Victory: 6 points
  • Timberwolves Injuries: Anthony Edwards (Out), Donte DiVincenzo (Out), Ayo Dosunmu (Day-to-Day)
  • Pelicans Injuries: Dejounte Murray (Out), Bryce McGowens (Out), Karlo Matkovic (Out)
  • Season: 2025-26 season NBA Regular Season

Both teams faced significant roster challenges, with high-profile names sidelined on both benches. Minnesota played without star guard Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, while the Pelicans were missing the playmaking of Dejounte Murray.

What it means

This victory underscores Minnesota's ability to find offensive rhythm even when missing primary scoring options like Edwards. For New Orleans, the loss highlights the difficulty of keeping pace with elite offenses while dealing with their own set of backcourt injuries. Both franchises are now focused on stabilizing their rotations as the 2025-26 season NBA Regular Season progresses toward its conclusion.

What to watch next

Minnesota fans will be monitoring the status of Anthony Edwards, who was recently a significant participant in team shootarounds. New Orleans will look to get Dejounte Murray back on the floor to provide much-needed defensive stability and veteran leadership in the backcourt.