Wolves vs Pelicans GDT

[BloopOracle]

A great chance to finally get over the hump record wise

The two things I will be keeping an eye on the most are the matchup between Turiaf and Anthony Davis, and watching to see if last game was just a fluke or is Chase Budinger starting to put it together.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Wolves are big favorites...8 1/2 I think...and should win easy. I'm looking forward to the game, especially because I haven't seen Davis play much and want to see his game. And like you, bloop, I'm curious about Bud. I didn't see his made threes last game, and I'm wondering if his jumpshot looked more like last year. It's interesting that the same day he commented in the StarTrib that he didn't have any spring in his jumpshot. I'm hoping his good game was not a mirage, and that he is closer to being ready to provide an offensive spark off the bench. He sure hdsn't helped before last game.

I am also curious about whether Ricky can help elevate Turiaf's offensive game in the PnR, like he did last game. It's a huge challenge to replace Pek's 18 PPG, and it would be nice if Turiaf could get 10 of those back for us through putbacks and plays with Rubio.

And I want to see consistent effort from Martin. He has been a big part of our recent surge, but his results slipped in the past game. We're much better when he is both asking for the ball and making his shots.

I expect a blowout tonight, which will improve our already inflated point differential. We're already 7th best, and Portland and Miami aren't that far ahead!

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Let's make it five wins in our last six games. Wait wait wait, make sure you read that right. When we win tonight, Minnesota will have won five of the last six games. :geek: That's the kind of stretch we've been waiting for!

No Holiday or Anderson tonight for the Pelicans. That's why the Wolves are 8+ favorites as LST said above. Should be another blowout win Sota can notch on the belt. Finally above the .500 mark would be nice.

I realize Turiaf isn't as good as Asik, but we'll get a look these next 10 days at how this starting unit plays with a rim protecting, defensive-oriented center. It's been talked about before on here how the Wolves might need to trade Pekovic in order to get that rim protector next to Love. Will the shot-blocking and defense make up for Pek's consistent scoring nights? That's to be seen.

In that Chicago game, our offense didn't run as smooth without Pek. There was a huge difference in how we executed. Screens weren't as good, team rebounding suffered a bit and that 20 points we usually lean on wasn't there. This mini stretch with Turiaf may show us all that Pekovic is the best fit after all for this team and K-Love. It'll be interesting.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Anthony Davis won't play tonight either. Should win this one by halftime.

[mjs34]

Let's make it five wins in our last six games. Wait wait wait, make sure you read that right. When we win tonight, Minnesota will have won five of the last six games. :geek: That's the kind of stretch we've been waiting for!

No Holiday or Anderson tonight for the Pelicans. That's why the Wolves are 8+ favorites as LST said above. Should be another blowout win Sota can notch on the belt. Finally above the .500 mark would be nice.

I realize Turiaf isn't as good as Asik, but we'll get a look these next 10 days at how this starting unit plays with a rim protecting, defensive-oriented center. It's been talked about before on here how the Wolves might need to trade Pekovic in order to get that rim protector next to Love. Will the shot-blocking and defense make up for Pek's consistent scoring nights? That's to be seen.

In that Chicago game, our offense didn't run as smooth without Pek. There was a huge difference in how we executed. Screens weren't as good, team rebounding suffered a bit and that 20 points we usually lean on wasn't there. This mini stretch with Turiaf may show us all that Pekovic is the best fit after all for this team and K-Love. It'll be interesting.

That 20 pts was only replace with 14, but with incredible efficiency. If we could get 2/3's of that from Turiaf on a nightly basis combined with improved defense we will win a lot of games. It is hard to make any judgements from that game based on the Bulls missing Noah and Hinrich, but our Off rtg was about 5 pts lower, while our Def rtg was about 10 pts lower, so at least for that game the improved defense out weighed the loss of offense.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Anthony Davis won't play tonight either. Should win this one by halftime.

I'm kind of disappointed...wanted to see what he's got.

But on the brighter side.....25 minutes for Muhammad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Squishypoo [enjin:6648839]]

They still have,Gordon ,Evans and Greg F&N STIEMSMA!!!! lol ok joking about greg but gordon and Evens can ball,So i hope the wolves don't take this as a free win and come to play.....

[Elan24 [enjin:6583971]]

One thing Turiaf can do is finish in a hurry.

[BloopOracle]

The Pelicans have very little offensive firepower with all of their injuries, there is no reason why we shouldn't win this one comfortably

[Elan24 [enjin:6583971]]

Wolves getting a little sloppy. They better not mess this up.