The 6-2 San Antonio Spurs host the 2-6 New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET. Even though the Pelicans started the season 0-6, they have won two consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Spurs began the season 5-0 and have since gone 1-2. But the Spurs are coming off a victory against the Houston Rockets.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Spurs are a -10.5-point favorite against the Pelicans. Below, I preview the game and give my prediction for tonight’s matchup between the Spurs and the Pelicans.
Pelicans vs. Spurs preview, prediction
In the Spurs’ first five games, Victor Wembanyama averaged 30.2 points, 14.6 rebounds, 4.8 blocks, and 3.4 assists per contest. However, since then, he has hit a cold spell, averaging only 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game over the last three. Wemby playing at an elite level is essential for San Antonio’s success, and they have struggled when he isn’t performing at his best.
Good news for the Spurs is that De’Aaron Fox is expected to make his season debut tonight against the Pelicans. Seven players for San Antonio have averaged 10-plus points per game this season, with Stephon Castle being second on the team, scoring 18.8.
New Orleans has been without their best player, Zion Williamson, but has won their last two games without him. In their previous two games, they have had at least six players score double digits and have gotten everyone involved in the offense, despite Williamson being sidelined.
Pelicans’ rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have played well lately. Fears is averaging 13.3 points this season, while Queen has recorded at least 11 points and seven boards in his last two games. With Williamson and Jordan Poole out, New Orleans will need veterans Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey, and Herbert Jones to step up alongside their rookies.
Pelicans vs. Spurs, best bet
The Pelicans lost to the Spurs by only four points in overtime in their first matchup of the season. New Orleans is +10.5 against San Antonio and has covered that spread in five of eight games this season. The Pelicans have also covered this spread in each of the last seven games against the Spurs.
