Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Game #23
Tre Jones and the Spurs will try to get a much-needed win against the Pelicans (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs have lost nine straight games. Tonight, they’ll try to stop their losing streak from hitting double figures when they host the New Orleans Pelicans in the AT&T Center. The Spurs have lost 14 of their last 15 games, while the Pelicans have won seven of their previous nine contests.
San Antonio is coming off a disappointing defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder (see the Grades). The Thunder were playing without superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, yet Oklahoma City rallied in the second half to defeat the Spurs by a final score of 119-111.
The Pelicans are coming off of an impressive 126-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors. The game was essentially over at halftime, as the New Orleans held a 74-47 lead after two quarters. Zion Williams led the way for the Pelicans with 33 points, ten rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks.
On Nov. 23, the Pelicans beat the Spurs to hand San Antonio their sixth loss of their current nine-game skid. In that game, Williamson poured in 32 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Devin Vassell led the Spurs in that game with 26 points and eight assists.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Unfortunately, the Spurs are dealing with a plethora of injuries. Doug McDermott is the latest addition to the injury report. He twisted his ankle against the Thunder and will miss tonight’s contest with a sprained right ankle.
Jakob Poeltl and Jeremy Sochan will miss their second straight game. Poeltl has a bone bruise of his right knee, while Sochan has a right quad contusion. Josh Richardson (ankle), Blake Wesley (knee) and Dominick Barlow (G League) also remain out for San Antonio.
Romeo Langford, who is coming off of arguably his best game of the season, is probable with lower back tightness. Charles Bassey was recalled from the G League and will be available to play.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Update
The Spurs aren’t the only team dealing with injuries, as the Pelicans will be without star forward Brandon Ingram and defensive specialist Herbert Jones. New Orleans will likely have the services of CJ McCollum, though, who has missed their last four games. For tonight’s contest, he’s listed as probable.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The starting lineup for the Spurs will likely be the same as it was last game: Zach Collins at center, Keita Bates-Diop at power forward, Keldon Johnson at small forward, Devin Vassell at shooting guard and Tre Jones at point guard.
Off the bench, expect head coach Gregg Popovich to go with Isaiah Roby, Malaki Branham and, if he’s able to play, Romeo Langford. Also expect Popovich to play at least one of Charles Bassey or Alize Johnson.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Pelicans
The Pelicans are favored by seven points and the over/under is set at 233 points. Even though the Spurs are at home, it wouldn’t be wise to put money on San Antonio due to all the injuries and their recent poor play. The smart money is on the Pelicans to cover and hand the Spurs their tenth straight loss.