San Antonio Spurs (3-14) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (10-9)
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans 12/1/23 – As the NBA season progresses, the San Antonio Spurs, with a struggling 3-14 record, prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans, currently standing at a more favorable 10-9. This game, set for December 1, 2023, at the Smoothie King Center, promises an intriguing matchup. In this multi-handicapping analysis, we delve into the teams’ performances, strengths, and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive preview of this upcoming clash.
The San Antonio Spurs have lost five straight games coming into this matchup. However, they’ve covered the spread in two of their last five. On the road, San Antonio is 2-3 against the spread this season. The Spurs’ defense is allowing the highest field goal percentage (49.5%) but Victor Wembanyama has provided a spark with 19.2 points and 2.6 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have won three of their last five contests. They are also 3-2 against the spread over that span. At home, New Orleans covers in over half of their games at 6-5. Brandon Ingram leads the team with 24 points per outing, including a 40-point performance last game. His usage rate will be key against the Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans 12/1/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 1, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Victor Wembanyama (C) vs. Brandon Ingram (SF)
As the overall pick, Victor Wembanyama has flashed rim protection and outside shooting uncommon for a big man. He leads all rookies with 19.2 points and 2.6 blocks per game. However, his lean frame allows opponents to push him out of position and he fouls often.
Brandon Ingram is playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 24 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists. His length and shot creation ability give most teams fits. But he doesn’t exert full effort on defense all the time. Wembanyama’s inside presence could bother Ingram’s drives.
This matchup of young stars will be a measuring stick for both players. Wembanyama needs to avoid foul trouble and let his full skillset shine. While Ingram should look to exploit the rookie’s lack of strength in the post when possible. Whoever gets the upper hand could lead their team to victory.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: New Orleans Pelicans -109, Total Odds: 232.5
The New Orleans Pelicans are favored by 11.5 points at home. This large spread shows little faith Vegas has in the struggling Spurs to keep pace. The total is set at 232.5 points. San Antonio allows over 115 points per game to opponents. So the Pelicans should eclipse that mark if trends continue.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Trends
The San Antonio Spurs are 0-5 straight up in their last five contests and failing to cover in three of those. On the road, San Antonio covers just 40% of games and allows over 120 points per matchup. The silver lining is the total has gone OVER in two of their previous five outings.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
New Orleans is 3-2 straight up and against the spread over the last five games. At home, they cover 54% of the time this year. The Pelicans score over 113 points per contest themselves, while opponents tally only 110 per game in Smoothie King Center. The total has gone UNDER in four of the team’s last five matchups though.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans 12/1/23 Betting Picks
The New Orleans Pelicans are rolling right now behind Brandon Ingram’s MVP-level stretch. Meanwhile, the Spurs look completely lost having dropped five straight games. The betting trends also favor New Orleans to cover a large number at home where they already score more points on average.
Our NBA predictions tonight see Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans cruising to a 125-108 victory. Back New Orleans at -11.5 odds, consider the home team on the moneyline up to -650, and take the OVER 232.5 total points.
Free Pick & Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans 125, San Antonio Spurs 108