The New Orleans Pelicans (2-6) and San Antonio Spurs (6-2) meet in a Western Conference battle Saturday night. Tip from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pelicans vs. Spurs odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Spurs lead 1-0
The Pelicans beat the Dallas Mavericks 101-99 Wednesday, covering as an 8.5-point road underdog. The Under (226) cashed. F Saddiq Bey scored a team-high 22 points. New Orleans is riding a 2-game winning streak after dropping its first 6 games of the season. The Pelicans have had issues scoring the ball, tallying 106 points or fewer in half their games.
The Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 121-110 Friday, covering as a 4-point home underdog. The Over (225) hit. F Harrison Barnes led the way with 24 points and was among 3 Spurs who scored at least 20 points. San Antonio won its first 5 games of the season. It snapped a 2-game losing streak with its win Friday evening.
The Spurs beat the Pelicans 120-116 on the road on Oct. 24, pushing as a 4-point favorite. The Over (233.5) cashed.
Pelicans at Spurs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Spurs -550 (bet $550 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +10.5 (-105) | Spurs -10.5 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Pelicans at Spurs key injuries
Pelicans
G Dejounte Murray (Achilles) outG Jordan Poole (quad) outF Zion Williamson (hamstring) out
Spurs
(Not yet submitted — below was for Friday’s game)
G De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) outG Dylan Harper (calf) outC Luke Kornet (ankle) outF Jeremy Sochan (wrist) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pelicans at Spurs picks and predictionsPrediction
Spurs 114, Pelicans 106
PASS.
The Spurs (-550) are the better and healthier side but are too expensive to consider here.
BET PELICANS +10.5 (-105).
The Pelicans have found some rhythm, winning 2 straight and allowing just 105.5 points per game in those contests. They are 2-1 ATS in their last 3 games as an underdog of 8 points or more.
The Spurs had a strong start to the season yet are 0-2 ATS in their last 2 games as a favorite, losing both outright. They have many key weapons out, including Kornet, who has kept the team alive throughout minutes without C Victor Wembanyama. Expect those injuries to play a key factor and for this one to be a close contest.
Take PELICANS +10.5 (-105).
BET UNDER 224.5 (-110).
Neither of these teams want to push the tempo. The Pelicans rank 25th and the Spurs rank 27th in pace on the season. Couple that with New Orleans having the 27th-most efficient offense, and points may be difficult to come by.
Both teams are 4-4 O/U on the season. The Spurs are 1-3 O/U at home. Back UNDER 224.5 (-110).
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