Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Game #25
Keldon Johnson and the Spurs will try to win a second straight game (Photo via Twitter)
After finally winning a game following a 18-game losing streak, the San Antonio Spurs will try to make it two and a row. This afternoon, the Spurs host the New Orleans Pelicans. San Antonio has a record of 4-20, while New Orleans is 15-11 on the season.
The Spurs got back on the winning track by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night by a final score of 129-115. While a lot of their players did very well (see the Grades), San Antonio was led by Devin Vassell. The starting shooting guard scored a career-high 36 points on 12-for-19 shooting from the field, 5-for-10 shooting from three-point range and 7-for-7 shooting at the free throw line.
The Pelicans have been playing well lately. They’ve won three straight games and are 2-0 on their current three-game road trip. New Orleans won only four of their first ten games this season but they’ve gone 11-5 since then.
Back on Dec. 1, the Pelicans beat the Spurs in New Orleans by 15 points, 121-106. Jonas Valanciunas led the way for the Pelicans with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Two players are listed on the injury report for the Spurs. Tre Jones, who missed the game against the Lakers due to an illness, is probable against the Pelicans. If he can’t play, expect Devonte’ Graham to once again be in the rotation.
Zach Collins is also listed as probable. He’s dealing with knee soreness. If Collins can’t go, due to Charles Bassey being out for the season with a torn ACL, expect Sandro Mamukelashvili to get the backup center minutes.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
After getting a win, don’t expect head coach Gregg Popovich to mess with the starting five. For the last three games, the Spurs have started Malaki Branham at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Keldon Johnson at small forward, Jeremy Sochan at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center. That will very likely be the fivesome against New Orleans.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Pelicans
The over/under this afternoon is 238.5 points and the Pelicans are favored by eight points. While the Pelicans are playing well and have a healthy lineup, the smart money is on the Spurs. After finally getting a victory, expect San Antonio to try to keep the good times going. Their new starting lineup appears to be working and it looks like the Spurs will get Tre Jones back in the lineup.