Two teams at opposite ends of the NBA spectrum will lock horns this coming Wednesday as the San Antonio Spurs square off with the struggling New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. The Spurs have capitalized on their stellar home form to lock up second place in the tightly-contested Western Conference. The same can’t be said about the slumping Pelicans, who were officially eliminated from the 2016 playoffs with nine games still to play this season.
Can the Spurs preserve their unbeaten home record tonight? Or will the Pelicans pull off the shocking upset? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this NBA matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Golden State vs. Utah and Atlanta vs. Toronto.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio
When: Wednesday, March 30, 8:30 PM ET
Line: New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: FSN/KENS
Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans (27-46)
Welcome back Jrue Holiday! The 25-year-old made a triumphant return from a toe injury, scoring 10 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter Monday to lead New Orleans to a thrilling 99-91 victory over the New York Knicks. It was a morale-boosting win for the Pelicans who finally snapped their three-game losing streak.
For New Orleans to pull off the shock victory tonight, it needs to improve on its outside shooting. The Pelicans shot just 11 of 43 from downtown in their last two losses to the Spurs. Apart from that, they will also need to find a way to stop the returning Kawhi Leonard. He is averaging a team-leading 21 points on 50.9% shooting, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
Stopping the Spurs will be easier said than done, though, with injuries ravaging the Pelicans’ lineup as we speak. Ryan Anderson (sports hernia), Anthony Davis (left knee), Bryce Dejean-Jones (right wrist), Tyreke Evans (right knee), Alonzo Gee (right quad), Eric Gordon (right finger), Jrue Holiday (right orbital wall) and Quincy Pondexter (left knee) are all out for Wednesday night’s clash with the Spurs.
The Pelicans are 2-8 SU and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 road games.
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Betting on the San Antonio Spurs (62-12)
The San Antonio Spurs returned to winning ways Monday with an easy 101-87 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Four players scored in double-figures for the Spurs who suffered a humiliating 111-92 defeat to Oklahoma City a fortnight ago. With the victory, San Antonio moved to within 4.5 games of Golden State for first place in the Western Conference.
Starring for the Spurs in this critical road win was LaMarcus Aldridge. He stepped up big time in the absence of stars Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard, scoring 31 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. He shot 11 of 16 from the field against the Grizzlies and converted nine of his 11 free throw attempts. Aldridge has been playing some excellent basketball of late, averaging 31.5 points over his last two games.
He will look to continue his solid play when the Spurs host the Pelicans this coming Wednesday. He will fancy his chances of doing just that as he has fared extremely well against New Orleans this season. Aldridge is averaging 27.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in three meetings with the Pelicans this season. He exploded for 36 points in their last matchup with New Orleans at AT&T Center on February 3.
The Spurs are 9-1 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last 10 home games against the Pelicans.
Writer’s Prediction
The Spurs ease past the Pelicans, 107-84.
