The San Antonio Spurs travel to the Smoothie King Center to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. Here’s a Pelicans vs Spurs Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs Spurs Pick.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Preview
The San Antonio Spurs have been in pretty good form as they’ve won seven of their last 10 games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back after getting beaten by the Cavaliers in a 130-117 road defeat on Friday. Devin Vassell drained seven 3-pointers to lead the team with 28 points on eight of 16 shooting, De’Aaron Fox added 25 points with nine assists while Keldon Johnson chipped in with 14 points. As a team, the Spurs shot 45 percent from the field and 15 of 43 from the 3-point line as they got off to a great start. They looked to be in command after pouring in 72 points in the first half to take the early lead. However, the Spurs let all their hard work go down the drain in the third quarter where they got outscored by an incredible 44-19 to fall behind by as many as 20 points.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have been ice-cold lately as they’ve lost 15 of their last 16 games overall. They will be hoping to arrest a six-game losing streak after getting trounced by the lowly Nets in a 119-101 road defeat on Saturday. Trey Murphy III led the team with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists, Saddiq Bey added 18 points while Bryce McGowens chipped in with 16 points. As a team, the Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field and nine of 25 from the 3-point line as they started the game flat and quickly found themselves in deep trouble after getting outscored by 62-44 in the first half. Things didn’t get much better in the second half as the Pelicans fell behind by 28 points before they finished with a flurry to keep the final margin somewhat respectable in the end.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Spurs have lost each of their last three games as favorites when playing with a rest advantage.
- The home team has won five of the last six games between the Spurs and Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last seven games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Spurs have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as road favorites.
Why the San Antonio Spurs will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 16 games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Spurs have won each of their last eight games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Spurs have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games following a road loss.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games as home underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six home games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Spurs’ last six games as favorites following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Trey Murphy III ranks 4th amongst qualified players for FT% (92.0%) this season.
- Jeremiah Fears is one of only four players in the league to have recorded 7+ steals in a game this season.
San Antonio Spurs Player Facts
- Keldon Johnson ranks 1st amongst qualified Guards for FG% (57.3%) this season.
- Devin Vassell is one of only 15 qualified players in the league to be leading their team in points (16.2) and assists (2.4) per game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for blocks per game this season (3.3).
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (6.5).
- The Spurs rank 1st in the league for Q1 win percentage this season (72.7%).
- Seven different Spurs players have scored 25+ points in a game this season – equal-most in the league.
Pelicans vs Spurs Prediction
The Spurs are still shorthanded with Victor Wembenyama, Stephon Castle and Jordan McLaughlin all out, while the Pelicans have ruled out Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole with Herbert Jones listed as questionable. These teams have already met twice this season, with the Spurs winning both games by single digits, but the gap has only gotten bigger between the teams as the Spurs have continued to improve despite their injuries. The Pelicans are still stuck in first gear with just three wins on the season. The line still seems hefty, but the Spurs were playing well before they ran into the Cavaliers in their last outing. I think they get back to winning ways with a comfortable win and cover against this depleted Pelicans outfit.