Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Game #49

After a pair of humbling losses following a two-game losing streak, the San Antonio Spurs host the New Orleans Pelicans tonight with the hope of getting back in the win column. The Spurs have a record of 10-38 and they are the last seed in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans are the seventh seed at 27-21.

This will be the third time this season that the Pelicans and Spurs will play against each other. New Orleans was able to easily beat Spurs both times. On Dec. 1, the Pelicans won in New Orleans by a final score of 121-106. On Dec. 17, the two teams played in San Antonio and the Pelicans coasted to a 146-110 victory.

The Pelicans will be playing their fourth game of a four-game road trip. They are 1-2 on the trip so far but they’re latest outing was an impressive 110-99 victory over the Houston Rockets. The Spurs are playing their sixth game of a seven-game home stand. San Antonio is 2-3 so far, with wins coming over the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves

San Antonio Spurs Injury Update

San Antonio’s injury report is the same as it was before their last game. Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson are listed as questionable for tonight’s affair versus the Pelicans. Both players ultimately sat out against the Orlando Magic.

The good news is that Collins is expected to return soon. He may even return tonight. Unfortunately, Johnson is expected to be out a little bit longer.

New Orleans Pelicans Injury Update

The Pelicans have three key players listed as questionable for tonight’s game in San Antonio headlined by Zion Williamson. The star forward has a foot injury. On the season, Williamson is averaging 22.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 38 games.

Also listed as questionable for New Orleans are Herbert Jones and Larry Nance Jr. Jones is one of the better wing defenders in the NBA and Nance is a valuable bench big man for the Pelicans.

San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup

Head coach Gregg Popovich is very likely to keep the same starting five of Tre Jones at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Jeremy Sochan at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center.

If Zach Collins is able to play, he’ll likely be the backup center — but Dominick Barlow also played really well in Collins’ absence so the coaches may look to find time for Barlow too.

Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Pelicans

The Pelicans are favored by 8.5 points and the over/under is 233.5 points. The smart money is on the under. San Antonio’s last four games have been relatively low scoring contests and this one is unlikely to be any different — especially with so much talent listed as questionable on the injury reports.