NBA Play-In Preview: New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction and Betting Preview
SportsMemo handicapper JM Sports gives his prediction on Wednesday’s New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs showdown on Wednesday, April 13. At the time of posting, the home Hawks have opened as an 4.5-point favorite over the road Clippers, with the total sitting at 229 points.
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Wednesday, April 13 | NBA Betting Notes |
---|---|
Point Spread: | New Orleans Pelicans -5 vs San Antonio Spurs |
Total: | 229 Points |
Game Time: | 9:30pm ET / 6:30pm PT |
Arena: | Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA |
TV: | ESPN |
New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Preview
New Orleans joins the list with the Timberwolves as one of the least experienced playoff teams in the bracket, but they actually have made the playoffs more than the top team in Phoenix.
They have only played 19 games though, but they have to be excited to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Their 7-12 record in the postseason got them to the 2nd round in 2018, but they have yet to advance beyond that point.
The Pelicans are one of just two teams that are under .500 on the season, as well as sitting under .500 at home and on the road.
With injuries hitting every team, it is no surprise that the Pelicans have their fair share. There is optimism that Zion Williamson could potentially return at some point in the playoffs as he was cleared for some work recently on the court. While Kira Lewis has officially been ruled out for the season.
Spurs Squeak in as 10th Seed
We round out the list with the most experienced team in the playoffs in the Western Conference in the last 12 years.
Since 2010, they are the only team in the West that has been to the playoffs more then 10 times! They have advanced to the 2nd round more than any other team in the West as well, and joining the Warriors and Mavericks as the only three teams to walk away with a title since 2010 in the West.
They are the only team other than the Warriors to play over 100 playoff games in the last 12 seasons and their 57% winning percentage puts them in the top-3.
Yet, out of the teams in the West, San Antonio has produced the worst winning percentage at home, and they are one of just two teams to be under .500 on the season, at home, and on the road.
They will need to step up their game to make a run, but they have the coach and the experience to get the job done.
While San Antonio has multiple names on the injury list, most of them look as though they will not effect the playoff rosters.
Romeo Langford (hamstring tightness) and Dejounte Murray (reconditioning) were out for the final game of the regular season, but it looks as though they should be set to return in time for the playoffs.
Doug McDermott is the big question mark, with a grade 3 ankle sprain, there is no current time table set for his return, while it doesn’t look as though he will be ready for the play-in tournament, if the Spurs advance, there is potential for McDermott to return during the run.
New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
The Spurs roll out a top 10 team as far as points scored per game is concerned but their defense has been sub-par.
Jakob Poeltl will have his hands full down low defending both Jaxon Hayes and Jonas Valanciunas given he’s healthy for this game.
Murray will do what he can to keep up with both C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Take New Orleans to cover the five points at home against the Spurs.
Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans -5
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New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Notes from GoldSheet
NBA Stat Sheet
Each day, WagerTalk handicapper Ralph Michaels puts together his NBA Stat Sheet, which offers a head-to-head comparison for how teams are performing in a number of key areas heading into a game. Check out Wednesday’s sheet, with notes on the New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs contest.
NBA Tip-Off Show
Join Joe Raineri and a rotating panel of professional handicappers for the NBA Tip-Off Show every Monday-Friday at 4:15pm ET / 1:15pm PT as we discuss the NBA Playoffs. Stay up-to-date on the latest NBA news, stats, analysis, and predictions with our panel of pro sports bettors as they preview Wednesday’s NBA action, including this New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs clash.
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