Spurs vs Pelicans Odds & Predictions (Dec. 22)

Spurs Rotation Showing Promise

The Spurs are in a rebuild and things aren’t expected to get better anytime soon. It’s a process. However, they really showed a lot of potential on Monday in Houston. Keldon Johnson, the team’s leading scorer with 21.1 PPG, missed this contest and will sit out here due to injury. Yet, Gregg Popovich’s squad balled out in a big way.

Not only did San Antonio beat the Rockets, they destroyed them. Everyone got in on the action, too. Devin Vassell continued his fine campaign with a game-high 26 points, while six other scorers finished in double figures. But, get this. The bench scored 62 points. All but one second unit player had a minimum of 10 points.

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 20, 2022

The Spurs were distributing the rock at an impressive rate, dishing out 30 assists. That resulted in countless clean looks from downtown, draining 50% of their triples. San Antonio also cooked Houston in transition, scoring 26 points on the fastbreak. The Rockets are in a similar position as the Spurs in terms of rebuilding, but this was a terrific team win.

Pels Without Zion

New Orleans is in a real rut at the moment and to make matters worse, Zion Williamson just entered COVID-19 protocols and won’t play Thursday. Brandon Ingram is still on the shelf with a toe injury as well, while defensive standout Larry Nance is questionable.

Despite the cold spell, however, the Pelicans are shaping up to be a dark horse in the West with a deep core. They rank top-six in offensive and defensive rating while sitting third in the Association with 117.3 PPG. That being said, the Bucks gave them the business Monday, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez combining for 72 points.

For New Orleans, Jonas Valanciunas popped off for an insane 37 points, 18 boards, and five dimes. CJ McCollum also put up 31 and has been starting to find his scoring rhythm as of late. The Pels were outplayed in the paint and in transition, though. That proved to be the difference-maker. With no Zion here, CJ and Valanciunas need to step up, along with the likes of Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Trey Murphy.

Spurs vs Pelicans Prediction

Missing Williamson is obviously a crushing blow, but the Pelicans are more than good enough to grab a convincing win against a team they’ve dominated in recent months. NOLA is also stellar at home. Take them to cover.