The San Antonio Spurs (1-0) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (0-1) Friday evening. Tip from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Spurs vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Tied 2-2
San Antonio opened its season Wednesday with a commanding 125-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks, covering as a 3-point road underdog with the Under (224.5) hitting. F Victor Wembanyama led all scorers with 40 points and grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds. The Spurs thwarted the NBA debut of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who had 10 points, while the No. 2 overall pick G Dylan Harper had 15 points for the Spurs in the win.
New Orleans dropped its season opener 128-122 Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, failing to cover as a 4-point road underdog with the Over (236) hitting. F Zion Williamson had a team-high 27 points while 6 Pelicans players had at least 13 points, including G Jordan Poole, who had 17 in his Pelicans debut.
Spurs at Pelicans odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Spurs -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Pelicans +155 (bet $100 to win $155)Against the spread (ATS): Spurs -4.5 (-110) | Pelicans +4.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Spurs at Pelicans key injuries
Spurs
G De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) outF Kelly Olynyk (heel) outF Jeremy Sochan (wrist) outF Lindy Waters III (eye) out
Pelicans
F Kevon Looney (knee) outF Karlo Matkovic (back) questionableC Yves Missi (ankle) questionableG Dejounte Murray (achilles) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Spurs at Pelicans picks and predictionsPrediction
Spurs 123, Pelicans 117
PASS.
There is minimal value on the Spurs (-190) to win on Friday.
LEAN SPURS -4.5 (-110).
All eyes in the NBA are on Wembanyama after his highlight-reel opening performance. Despite not having Fox, the Spurs showcased their array of options around the 7-foot-4 phenom. Reigning Rookie of the Year G Stephon Castle, who scored 22 on Wednesday, seems to be more than capable of stepping up in Fox’s absence, which will give opposing teams a lot of trouble.
The Pelicans may give the Spurs more of a run for their money than the Mavericks did. With all Pelicans players who saw the court on Wednesday scoring, the team has a hodgepodge of players who can find their way to the hoop. While their defense needs some work, their offensive ability makes them a threat to the spread.
BET OVER 233.5 (-105).
With Wembanyama down low, he will certainly affect Williamson, but with both teams able to score in a variety of ways, the Over has great value.
The Spurs scored 125 in their opener, while the Pelicans posted 122. Expect a fast-paced game that could be dictated by the ability to convert open opportunities.
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