The San Antonio Spurs face off against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 23, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center, with the tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. This matchup is particularly significant for both teams, each grappling with challenges this season.
The Spurs, currently holding a record of 24-30, lead the season series against the Pelicans, who have struggled greatly with just 13 wins and 43 losses. The matchup has intensified due to the recent announcement of star center Victor Wembanyama's season-ending injury. The rookie sensation was sidelined with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, which has cast uncertainties over the Spurs' playoff ambitions.
Despite being underdogs, the Spurs recently managed to pull off a win against the Phoenix Suns, showcasing the depth and potential of their roster, even without Wembanyama. This upcoming game is particularly pivotal, as the Spurs aim to continue capitalizing on favorable matchups against teams below them, like the Pelicans. The Pelicans, on the other hand, come off a disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks, failing to cover the spread as 5.5-point underdogs.
Heading to this game, the Pelicans are reeling with fatigue after dropping nine of their last ten games. They still feature standout players like Zion Williamson, who scored 29 points last game, but their defensive struggles have been apparent. New Orleans is allowing over 119 points per game, ranking fourth worst defensively this season.
Betting odds from BetMGM indicate the Pelicans as slight favorites at -130 on the moneyline, with the Spurs at +105, reflecting the competitive nature of this contest. The spread sits at Spurs +1.5 and Pelicans -1.5, with the over/under set at 241.5, pointing to expectations of high-scoring play from both sides.
Given the current situations of both teams, analysts are weighing their predictions heavily based on trends from recent games. For the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox is stepping up as the focal point of the offense and could be expected to lead scoring opportunities against the Pelicans' weak perimeter defense. Previously, he posted 27 points on good shooting splits against the Detroit Pistons, which positions him favorably for another scoring outburst.
Fox’s ability to drive to the basket will be pivotal, especially considering the absence of key defenders for the Pelicans, such as Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray. The combination of the Spurs’ scoring depth, even without Wembanyama, and the Pelicans’ porous defense might set the stage for another potential high-scoring affair.
For betting enthusiasts, the Pelicans are not just struggling to win; they’re also failing to secure covers against the spread. Their recent performances indicate they might not be worth the risk laying points. Interestingly, statistical trends show New Orleans has covered as favorites only four times at home this season according to recent data.
On the flip side of the ball, analysts suggest Zion Williamson could prove to be the game-changer for New Orleans, particularly now facing lesser rim protection from the Spurs. His ability to dominate inside could swing not just scoring momentum, but also foul trouble for the Spurs, which could impact their rotation.
Both teams will enter the matchup with injury lists piling up, affecting strategies and on-court decision-making. The Spurs have announced the absences of not just Wembanyama but also David Duke Jr., Harrison ingram, and Riley Minix, leading to even more pressure on the remaining roster players to fill the scoring void.
Understanding these dynamics gives bettors insight not just to players’ individual performances but also points to how the game might flow. Every game carries the potential to significantly shake up playoff positions. Both teams remain hungry for any edge, as they look to build momentum as the season progresses.
With expectations of offensive fireworks, this contest will be more than just another game; it will be key to establishing momentum. Whether the Spurs can continue to defy the odds or the Pelicans can exploit their home crowd remains to be seen. All eyes will be on the action this Sunday evening.