San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans

San Antonio Spurs (34-48 SU, 43-37-2 ATS) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (36-46 SU, 41-40-1 ATS)

When: Wednesday April 13 2022, 09:30 PM (ET)

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: SAS 4.5/NOP 4.5 (Opened NO -4 at BetNow – Home of the 100% real cash bonus up to $500 when you use bonus code PREDICTEM)

Total: 236.5 (Opened at 239)

Money Line: San Antonio Spurs 165/New Orleans Pelicans -200

Power Rating: NOP -4

Probable Starting Lineups

PG Dejounte Murray, SG Joshua Primo, SF Devin Vassell, PF Keldon Johnson, C Jakob Poeltl

PG C.J. McCollum, SG Herb Jones, SF Brandon Ingram, PF Jonas Valanciunas, C Jaxson Hayes

Key Injuries

San Antonio Spurs
Doug McDermott: Nose (OUT)
Lonnie Walker IV: Back (QUESTIONABLE)

New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram: Hamstring (QUESTIONABLE)
Herbert Jones: Leg (QUESTIONABLE)
Jonas Valanciunas: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
Zion Williamson: Foot (OUT)
Kira Lewis Jr.: Knee (OUT)

The New Orleans Pelicans host the San Antonio Spurs in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 09:30 PM ET at the Smoothie King Center.

Recent Form

The San Antonio Spurs come into this game with an overall record of 34-48, placing them 10th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, San Antonio has struggled in their 41 road contests, sitting at 18-23. Over the Spurs’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, San Antonio’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 113.0 points per game. Combined, the Spurs’ last five opponents are giving up 110.0 points per contest. Even though San Antonio has struggled of late, they have shown improvements on the defensive end of the court, giving up just 109.0 points per game over their last five contests. This number is down from their season average of 113.0. In the San Antonio Spurs’ most recent game, the team fell to Dallas by a score of 130-120.

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 36-46, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 41 home contests, sitting at 19-22. Over the Pelicans’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, New Orleans is averaging 114.0 points per game, 5.0 points more than their season average of 109.3. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Pelicans’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 118.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 110.3. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, the team fell to Golden State by a score of 128-107.

Individual Player Analysis

As San Antonio travels to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, the Spurs’ leading scorer is Dejounte Murray. Through 69 games, Murray is averaging 21 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 51.0% of his games. As Murray gets set to take on the Pelicans, he could be in line for a big game as New Orleans is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 52.54% of their games. This figure places them 23rd among NBA defenses. On the other side, CJ McCollum leads the Pelicans in scoring, averaging 24 points across his 26 games. Throughout the season, McCollum has outscored his season average in 50.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, McCollum will need to do so against a Spurs defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 37.5%. This figure is good for a rank of 1st in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the San Antonio Spurs are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 14 of San Antonio’s 40 games, leading to a winning percentage of 71%. So far, the New Orleans Pelicans have played 60 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 60 times, by an average margin of -12.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans have met up for 4 games. In their last meeting, San Antonio picked up a 107-103 win.

How the Public is Betting the Spurs vs Pelicans

67% are betting the Pelicans against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 236.5

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Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Spurs are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
• Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
• Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

In the 9/10 matchup of the Western Conference play-in tournament, both the Pelicans and Spurs come into the game on losing streaks. Even though the Spurs have a superior point per game average, part of this is due to their preference to speed up the game, averaging 104 possessions per game. Look for this to be a high-scoring contest, as both the Spurs and Pelicans allow their opponents to hit three-pointers at an above-average rate. I see this matchup coming down to the wire, with San Antonio covering the spread as 4 point road underdogs. Bet your NBA playoffs picks for FREE by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit up to $300 at MyBookie Sportsbook! (Must use bonus code PREDICT100 to get the special offer!)