In this elimination game, the New Orleans Pelicans will host the San Antonio Spurs. The match will take place on 14 April at 04:30 AM (+3 UTC). In this elimination scenario, the loser’s season is over and the winner takes on the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth-ranked game. Therefore, this becomes a must-win game for both teams. The Pelicans will be with the home-court advantage here.
Bet on New Orleans Pelicans - San Antonio Spurs
Best bets on Pelicans vs Spurs
Total: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that Total Over/Under 226 has the odds of 1.90. The Pelicans can be a little erratic from the field and the improved defense of the Spurs can make it tough to score around 110. On the other hand, the Pelicans' defense has been tough these days. I do see a relatively slow-paced game and I’d rather go with “Under” 226 points here.
Player Props: Bookmakers at Bet365 predict odds of 1.86 for DeJounte Murray going Over 23.5 Points here. Murray hasn’t played for a week or so but I think he will be ready to pop off here. I think you can even take a Player Points Milestone for 25 points, which has the odds of 2.05. He has scored 17, 33, 33 in the last three games.
Handicap: Bookmakers at 1xBet see the Pelicans as the favorites, and that is because of their home-court advantage in an elimination game. The Spurs beat the Pelicans 107:103 during the last meeting between the two which was a game played at the Pelicans’ home floor. I don’t expect this to happen again but I do see a close game. The handicap suggested by the bookmakers in favour of the Pelicans is -5.5 for the odds of 1.97. This can be a close game so you might bet on the option “To Win By (3 Way); Any Other Score- Win With Difference Less Than 6” which has the odds of 2.90.
Where to Watch Pelicans vs Spurs
This game is available on the NBA League Pass.
Bet on New Orleans Pelicans - San Antonio Spurs
New Orleans Pelicans form
Brandon Ingram is probable here and his production has been hit since the injury but he will be needed as a dependable rebounder, playmaker, and defender. On the other hand, CJ McCollum has been a huge factor on the offensive end and he will be hungry to prove a point in this elimination game. Apart from these two, Jonas Valanciunas has been doing his bit as a superb rebounder and scorer but a lot of things will also depend upon how Jaxson Hayes and Herbert Jones, the two spring players respond here. The trouble for the Pelicans has been the lack of efficiency from Devonte Graham while the team lacks a viable bench. Can the defense of the Pelicans pull through here?
San Antonio Spurs form
The Spurs led the league in assists per game and that is largely due to the presence of DeJounte Murray. They also have seen improvement from Keldon Johnson, who has been a huge factor both as a scorer and a rebounder. Jakob Poeltl sets tough screens and can dip in paint points while his help defense has been a huge plus. Zach Collins off the bench helps take the load off Poeltl and he has had a strong production ever since returning from injury. Apart from these players, Josh Richardson, Lonnie Walker IV, Devin Vassell, and Joshua Primo form a strong scoring Guard trio. Vassell has adjusted to the starting role while Lonnie is the type of player who can drain quick points and so can Josh Richardson.
Pelicans vs Spurs: possible lineups
- Pelicans most likely starting five: G: CJ McCollum | SF: Brandon Ingram | F: Herbert Jones | F: Jaxson Hayes | C: Jonas Valanciunas;
- Spurs most likely starting five: PG: DeJounte Murray | G: Devin Vassell | G: Joshua Primo | F: Keldon Johnson | C: Jakob Poeltl.
