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Spurs Look to Adjust Without Wembanyama as They Face Pelicans Twice in Three Nights
The San Antonio Spurs are still adjusting to life without Victor Wembanyama, and they’ll have two chances to figure things out as they face the New Orleans Pelicans in a back-to-back series starting Sunday in New Orleans.
The Spurs (12th in the Western Conference) are 1-1 since announcing Wembanyama’s season-ending injury due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Without their rookie sensation, San Antonio faces an even tougher challenge in making a late push for a play-in spot.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (24-35) are outside the playoff picture, but they’re looking to develop their new-look roster after a trade deadline move sent Brandon Ingram to Toronto in exchange for Kelly Olynyk.
Spurs Adjusting Without Wembanyama
Losing Wembanyama’s 11.0 rebounds per game has already hurt the Spurs, as seen in their 125-110 loss to Detroit on Friday, where they were outrebounded 53-32, giving up 20 offensive rebounds and 21 second-chance points.
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson knows rebounding will be an ongoing battle.
“That’s something we’re going to have to be overly committed to the rest of the season,” Johnson said. “There will be times when we put forth the effort and it’s still going to be difficult. That’s just how we’re built right now.”
Adding to the adjustment period is the integration of De’Aaron Fox, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade earlier this month.
“We’re trying to learn some continuity,” Johnson said. “We just acquired De’Aaron Fox. There will be opportunities to see different lineups and combinations over the next few games.”
Pelicans Testing New Frontcourt Rotation
New Orleans has struggled on the boards all season (ranked 24th in the NBA in rebounding at 42.9 per game), but they showed some promise in their 111-103 loss to Dallas on Friday, outrebounding the Mavericks 53-47.
New addition Kelly Olynyk made his Pelicans debut after not playing since Feb. 5, finishing with four points, three rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes. He started alongside rookie center Yves Missi, who added six points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
“He’s been out for a while, so he’s knocking off some rust,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “We’re still adjusting to our new personnel, but there were some positives we can carry forward.”
One major positive? Zion Williamson.
The All-Star forward led New Orleans with 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting, continuing his dominant efficiency streak. Over his last four games, Williamson is shooting a red-hot 71% from the field (46 of 65).
“He’s been awesome,” Green said.
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Who Can Set the Tone in Game 1?
With two games in three nights between these teams, both franchises will look for key adjustments as they build toward the final stretch of the season.
Can San Antonio find ways to rebound and stay competitive without Wembanyama, or will the Pelicans’ new-look frontcourt help them dominate inside?
The answers will start unfolding Sunday night in New Orleans.
