Pelicans (44-37), Timberwolves (16-65)
MINNEAPOLIS – After 81 games and a closely-contested playoff race that has gone on for months, it’s now simple for the New Orleans Pelicans: Win one game and they’re in the postseason. New Orleans continued to maintain control of its playoff fate Monday with a methodical road victory at Minnesota, remaining tied with Oklahoma City (44-37) for eighth place in the Western Conference. The Thunder, behind a big game from the reprieved Russell Westbrook, beat Portland to remain alive. A loss would’ve ended OKC’s chances. Instead, it will come down to a Wednesday home game for New Orleans vs.