The San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans meet Friday in NBA action at the Smoothie King Center. 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 beat the Mavericks, and they play the Nets and Raptors next. The Spurs look for their first 2-0 start since the 2020-21 season.
The San Antonio Spurs are averaging 125 points on 57.5 percent shooting and allowing 92 points on 37.3 percent shooting. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 40 points and 15 rebounds, while Stephon Castle is averaging 22 points and 6 assists. Dylan Harper is the third double-digit scorer and Devin Vassell is dishing 4 assists. The San Antonio Spurs are shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and 60.7 percent from the free throw line. The San Antonio Spurs are allowing 42.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 50 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Grizzlies, and they play the Celtics and Nuggets next. The Pelicans haven’t started 0-2 since the 2021-22 season.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 122 points on 45.9 percent shooting and allowing 128 points on 51.3 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 27 points and 9 rebounds, while Herbert Jones is averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jordan Poole is the third double-digit scorer and Jeremiah Fears is dishing 2 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and 71 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 29.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 47 rebounds per game.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Spurs have lost each of their last 11 games against Southwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The home team has won each of the last four games between the Spurs and Pelicans.
- The Spurs have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games against Southwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in six of their last seven home games against the Spurs.
Why the San Antonio Spurs will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last eight games.
- The favorites have won each of the Pelicans’ last 13 games.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 games as underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
- The favorites have covered the spread in seven of the Pelicans’ last eight games at Smoothie King Center.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of the Spurs’ last 11 games as favorites have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Pelicans’ last eight home games have gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Jordan Poole ranks T1st amongst qualified players for FT% (100.0%) this season.
- Jeremiah Fears ranks T1st amongst qualified players for FT% (100.0%) this season.
San Antonio Spurs Player Facts
- Victor Wembanyama ranks T1st amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (15.0) this season.
- Keldon Johnson ranks T1st amongst qualified players for 3P% (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (12.0).
- The Pelicans rank T1st in the league for Q1 win percentage this season (100.0%).
- The Spurs rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (92.0).
- The Spurs rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+33.0).
Pelicans vs Spurs Injury Report
The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray and Kevon Looney. Karlo Matkovic and Yves Missi are questionable.
The Spurs will be without Kelly Olynyk, De’Aaron Fox, Lindy Waters III, and Jeremy Sochan.
Pelicans vs Spurs Prediction
The Pelicans had their chances against the Grizzlies, and they’re going to be a live dog as long as Zion stays in shape and motivated. However, this line is soft when you consider how the Spurs looked in their opener. The Spurs were ridiculous defensively, and Wembanyama looks like he’s ready to take over the world. If guys like Castle and Harper are ready to come with him, the Spurs will be a team to watch this season. It’s one game, but it’s enough to get me on board with this soft line. Give me the Spurs on Friday night.