Game Preview New Orleans Pelicans @ San Antonio Spurs
The New Orleans Pelicans head to Texas to take on the San Antonio Spurs in a Southwest Division matchup on Monday, December 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Pelicans come into the game as strong playoff contenders, while the Spurs continue their rebuilding process around Victor Wembanyama.
New Orleans has been hovering around the middle of the Western Conference but shows signs of offensive and defensive cohesion when Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are both healthy. San Antonio is focused on player development and has struggled to stay competitive in games against upper-tier teams. With division standings and draft positions on the line, this matchup could play out differently depending on which team controls pace and paint production.
For divisional context and futures outlook, visit the Southwest Division odds analysis.
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Odds and Key Information
TeamSpread / Moneyline / TotalPelicans-5.5 (-110) / -230 / O 227.5Spurs+5.5 (-110) / +190 / U 227.5
This line opened with New Orleans as 4.5-point road favorites but has moved to -5.5. The total opened at 229 and has since dipped to 227.5 based on early sharp action on the under. Game time is 8:30 PM ET and will be available on NBA League Pass. Around 65 percent of spread bets are currently favoring the Pelicans. Real-time market shifts and betting data are always available on the NBA odds page.
New Orleans Pelicans Outlook
The Pelicans have been a strong two-way team when healthy, ranking in the top 12 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Zion Williamson has been effective in transition and in the half-court, shooting over 57 percent from the field. Brandon Ingram’s mid-range and playmaking ability add versatility to the offense. CJ McCollum’s return has improved spacing and three-point shooting, particularly in late-game scenarios.
Defensively, the Pelicans are holding opponents to under 46 percent shooting and are among the league leaders in steals and deflections. Their ability to force turnovers and convert in transition gives them a distinct advantage against less disciplined teams like San Antonio. They have covered the spread in four of their last six games and are 6-2 ATS versus teams below .500. More performance metrics can be found on the Pelicans team profile.
San Antonio Spurs Outlook
The Spurs remain in full rebuild mode with Victor Wembanyama at the center of the franchise. While his rim protection and rebounding have shown promise, San Antonio continues to struggle in transition defense and perimeter shooting. The team ranks in the bottom five in offensive efficiency and is allowing opponents to shoot over 38 percent from beyond the arc.
Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson offer some offensive stability, but the lack of veteran leadership and reliable shooting options has limited the Spurs’ ability to close games. They have lost nine of their last ten and are just 2-8 ATS in that stretch. Turnover issues and defensive lapses continue to plague San Antonio late in games. You can track long-term team performance and value spots on the Spurs betting page.
Key Matchup
Zion Williamson vs Victor Wembanyama is the key battle in this game. Zion’s strength, agility, and paint dominance will challenge Wembanyama’s length and shot-blocking instincts. Williamson thrives in physical matchups where he can attack the rim and force contact, while Wembanyama’s ability to alter shots without fouling will be critical to San Antonio’s interior defense.
If Zion can establish position early and avoid offensive fouls, the Pelicans may control the paint all night. Conversely, if Wembanyama uses his footwork and wingspan effectively, he can slow down one of New Orleans’ primary scoring weapons. For player impact and matchup analytics, visit the NBA expert betting guide.
Betting Trends
New Orleans has covered the spread in six of its last nine road games. The under has hit in four of their last five overall. San Antonio is 1-9 ATS in its last ten games and has failed to cover in five straight home games. The Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in the last ten head-to-head meetings against the Spurs. The over has hit in five of the last six meetings between these teams in San Antonio.
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Prediction
The Pelicans are simply the more complete team on both ends of the floor. With Zion healthy and the return of McCollum, New Orleans has a clear edge in both execution and experience. San Antonio remains a high-upside project with plenty of growing pains. The Spurs struggle to defend in the half-court and lack consistent shot creation outside of Wembanyama’s highlight moments.
New Orleans has the ability to overwhelm San Antonio inside and in transition. While the Spurs may keep things close early, expect the Pelicans’ depth and defense to pull away late. The total leans under due to San Antonio’s inefficient offense and New Orleans’ ability to control pace.
Projected Score: Pelicans 116, Spurs 104
Spread Pick: Pelicans -5.5
Total Lean: Under 227.5
Daily picks, line movements, and matchup breakdowns can be found on the NBA picks page.
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