Timberwolves (29-53), Pelicans (30-52)
MINNEAPOLIS – While much of the NBA anxiously awaited tip-offs in Oakland and Los Angeles later Wednesday, Minnesota provided a glimpse of what could be a prominent part of the league’s future vs. New Orleans. Behind a big game from Rookie of the Year lock Karl-Anthony Towns (28 points, 14 rebounds in three-plus quarters of work), the Timberwolves raced to a huge lead over the Pelicans and never looked back, wrapping up the 2015-16 season in style. With only seven healthy players available, New Orleans shot poorly for much of its season finale and couldn’t keep pace with Minnesota, an on-the-rise team that recently prevailed on Golden State’s home floor.