San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

At 7:00 ET, the New Orleans Pelicans (+165) will travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs (-195). The Spurs (-4.5) are currently 11th in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans are 15th. The over/under line for the game is 225 points.

This divisional matchup will be played at the Frost Bank Center and can be seen on Gulf.

Pelicans vs. Spurs Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs
• Where: San Antonio at Frost Bank Center
• Date: Sunday, December 8th
• Betting Odds SA -4.5, NO +165 | SA -195 O/U 225

The Pelicans Can Win If…

The Pelicans fell to 5-19 on the season after a 119-109 loss to the Thunder on Saturday. New Orleans, who were +8 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread at home. The total score of 228 points went over the pre-game line of 222.5.

Oklahoma City took control early with a 10-0 run, and the Pelicans couldn’t recover after being outscored 77-51 in the first half. New Orleans showed some fight, winning the last two quarters 58-42, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 99-80 deficit heading into the 4th quarter.

In their 119-109 loss to the Thunder, the Pelicans shot 48.1% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 29.7% of their threes, making 11 in total. Dejounte Murray led the way with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, connecting on 3 threes at 37.5% efficiency.

Herbert Jones contributed 24 points on 80% shooting, adding 9 points in the 4th quarter. Trey Murphy also made 3 threes, finishing with 16 points on 55.6% shooting. Murray had a big 3rd quarter, scoring 13 points, while Jones added 5 points in each quarter.

The Pelicans struggled defensively in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up 35 and 42 points, respectively, in their 119-109 loss to the Thunder. However, they tightened up in the 3rd and 4th quarters, allowing just 22 and 20 points. Overall, New Orleans allowed Oklahoma City to shoot 52% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Pelicans gave up 12 threes on 37% shooting. The Thunder also went to the line 21 times, converting 17 free throws. New Orleans allowed 10 offensive rebounds but recorded 15 steals and 6 blocks.

• Through their last five road games, New Orleans has an ATS record of just 2-3. However, their overall record was 0-5 while averaging 103 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 1-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-3.
• Over their last three games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Spurs Can Win If…

San Antonio’s season record dropped to 11-12 after a 140-113 home loss to the Kings on Friday. The Spurs entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total score of 253 points exceeded the O/U line of 228 by 25 points.

The Spurs went on a 10-0 run early, extending their lead from 21-16 to 31-16. However, the Kings responded by outscoring San Antonio 36-26 in the 2nd quarter and 31-27 in the 3rd. Heading into the 4th quarter down 100-86, the Spurs were outscored 40-27 in the final period.

Julian Champagnie knocked down 6 threes at a 50% clip, finishing with 30 points and 3 rebounds in the Spurs’ 140-113 loss to the Kings. He shot 50% from the field, and 13 of his points came in the 1st quarter. Stephon Castle added 15 points, 8 of which came in the 3rd quarter, despite shooting just 33.3% from the field and 28.6% from deep.

As a team, the Spurs hit 14 threes, shooting 34.1% from beyond the arc and 42.9% overall. Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan each contributed 14 points, with Johnson scoring 10 in the opening quarter.

The Spurs struggled defensively against the Kings, giving up 140 points on 56% shooting. San Antonio allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter and 36 in the 2nd, followed by 31 in the 3rd. Their worst defensive effort came in the 4th, where they gave up 40 points.

San Antonio also had trouble defending the three, with the Kings hitting 16 threes at a 47% clip. The Spurs sent the Kings to the line 24 times, where they made 22 free throws. Defensively, the Spurs recorded 8 steals and 5 blocks.

• In their last five games at home, the Spurs have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 108 points per game in this stretch.
• Over the team’s last five games as the favorite, the Spurs struggled vs the spread going just 2-3. However, they still had a straight up mark of 3-2.
• In their last five games, the Spurs have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Spurs is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 145-125. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Spurs at -4.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 225, and our model projects the Pelicans and Spurs to reach a combined total of 270 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Spurs Seek Redemption at Home Against Pelicans

The San Antonio Spurs (10-15) face the New Orleans Pelicans (5-19) on Sunday, with both teams searching for a way out of their recent struggles. The Spurs have lost three straight games, while the Pelicans have dropped 10 of their last 11.

Spurs: Hoping for a Wembanyama Boost

San Antonio has been without rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama for the past two games due to lower back soreness. Wembanyama is listed as questionable for Sunday, but his return would undoubtedly provide a spark for the Spurs, who have struggled defensively.

In Friday’s 140-113 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Julian Champagnie led the way with a career-high 30 points. However, the Spurs’ defense allowed the Kings to shoot 50% from the field, including 15-of-34 from beyond the arc.

Acting coach Mitch Johnson expressed frustration with the team’s defensive lapses.

“Transition defense or one defense has been probably the most disappointing,” Johnson said. “Our one-on-one defense has been better and should be better and will be better.”

Key Players for San Antonio

• Victor Wembanyama (if available): Wembanyama is averaging 18.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game and has been a defensive anchor.
• Julian Champagnie: Fresh off a career-high 30 points, Champagnie provides scoring punch for the Spurs.
• Chris Paul: The veteran guard continues to steady the Spurs with leadership, as evidenced by his 11-point, 13-assist effort on Friday.

Pelicans: Injury-Plagued and Searching for Answers

The Pelicans’ injury woes have derailed their season. At 5-19, they hold the league’s worst record, compounded by a 119-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans’ leading scorer (22.2 PPG), left the game early in the third quarter with a left ankle injury, further depleting the team’s roster.

Despite their struggles, the Pelicans saw promising performances from Dejounte Murray (26 points) and Herbert Jones (24 points). However, turnovers and defensive lapses continue to haunt the team, as evidenced by allowing 77 first-half points to the Thunder.

“It was an unacceptable start,” coach Willie Green said. “We have to be better for 48 minutes.”

Key Players for New Orleans

• Dejounte Murray: Leading the way offensively, Murray has been a consistent contributor despite the team’s struggles.
• Herbert Jones: A versatile forward, Jones is stepping up in the absence of key players.
• Trey Murphy III: Offers scoring and perimeter shooting as the Pelicans navigate their injury challenges.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Victor Wembanyama (if available) vs. Pelicans’ Frontcourt: Wembanyama’s length and versatility could overwhelm a depleted New Orleans squad.
• Julian Champagnie vs. Pelicans’ Defense: Champagnie’s hot hand will test New Orleans’ ability to close out on shooters.
• Dejounte Murray vs. Spurs’ Guards: Murray’s scoring and playmaking will be critical if the Pelicans hope to keep pace.

What’s at Stake?

For the Spurs, Sunday’s game is an opportunity to regain momentum and tighten their defense after a three-game skid. Wembanyama’s potential return could be the catalyst they need to turn things around.

For the Pelicans, a victory would help restore some confidence in a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency. With key players sidelined, finding offensive balance and defensive intensity will be critical to their success.

This matchup pits two struggling teams in need of a win, setting the stage for a hard-fought, high-energy contest in San Antonio.