The San Antonio Spurs (1-0) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (0-1) tonight at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a Western Conference matchup that gives both teams an early read on their form.
San Antonio enters with major momentum after a dominant 125–92 win over the Dallas Mavericks in its season opener. Victor Wembanyama set the tone for the Spurs’ new era with a monster 40-point, 15-rebound performance on 15-of-21 shooting, adding three blocks and zero turnovers — and displaying unreal movement for a 7’4″ player.
Wemby’s two-way dominance also anchored a defense that held Dallas to just 92 points and forced 16 turnovers.
San Antonio shot 57.5% from the field and outrebounded the Mavericks 50–39, showcasing efficient ball movement and energy on both ends. Stephon Castle added 22 points, and the Spurs’ bench contributed 37 more, led by rookie Dylan Harper with 15.
New Orleans, meanwhile, comes in looking to regroup after a 128–122 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in which defensive lapses proved costly.
The Pelicans certainly delivered on offense. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 27 points and nine rebounds, while Jordan Poole, Herb Jones, and rookie Jeremiah Fears each chipped in 17.
The Pelicans, in fact, built an 11-point halftime lead before surrendering a 19–0 Memphis run in the third quarter, underscoring early-season issues with transition defense and maintaining momentum.
Both teams want to dictate tempo — the Spurs with interior dominance and ball movement, the Pelicans with Zion’s downhill force and spacing around him. San Antonio’s defense, which looked sharp in its opener, will be tested by Williamson’s drives and the Pelicans’ ability to get to the rim. New Orleans, conversely, must find a way to limit Wembanyama’s touches and keep him off the glass after giving up 15 offensive rebounds in their first game.
Predictions
San Antonio’s cohesion and rebounding advantage give them an edge, yet New Orleans’ home crowd and Zion’s scoring ability will keep it tight.
Prediction: Spurs 115, Pelicans 110
Injury Report
San Antonio Spurs
De’Aaron Fox — Out (right hamstring strain)
Kelly Olynyk — Out (left heel surgery)
Jeremy Sochan — Out (left wrist sprain)
Lindy Waters III — Out (bilateral eye procedure)
New Orleans Pelicans
DeAndre Jordan — Out
Kevon Looney — Out (left knee sprain)
Dejounte Murray — Out (right Achilles injury)
Karlo Matković — Questionable (low back spasms)
Yves Missi — Questionable (right ankle sprain)
How to Watch Spurs vs. Pelicans
Tip-off for tonight’s San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans game is set for 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
The game airs live locally on Gulf Coast Sports and KENS 5.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.
Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.
Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: Gulf Coast Sports, KENS 5
Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)