Spurs Look to Bounce Back Against Struggling Pelicans

San Antonio, Texas — The San Antonio Spurs (27-37) will host the New Orleans Pelicans (18-49) for a crucial Western Conference matchup on Saturday, March 15, at 8:30 p.m. EDT. Both teams are looking to improve their disappointing seasons, with the Spurs facing the challenge of playing their second game in as many nights.

After suffering a last-minute defeat to the Charlotte Hornets, the Spurs are hoping to take advantage of the Pelicans, who are currently ranked 14th in the Western Conference. This matchup marks an opportunity for the Spurs to even their season series against New Orleans, having lost their last two encounters.

Heading into this game, the Spurs will have to contend with injuries that have significantly impacted their season. Key player De'Aaron Fox is out for the season due to finger surgery, and Victor Wembanyama has also been sidelined, leaving the team without its leading scorer and a valuable defensive asset. Their defense has become notably weak, allowing an average of 123.3 points per game over the last 12 contests.

“Without De’Aaron, we’ve had to rethink our strategy,” Spurs coach said. “We need our young players to step up and improve on both ends of the court.”

Rookie guard Stephon Castle has emerged as a focal point for the Spurs’ offense, expected to carry heavy minutes and offensive responsibilities. In recent games, he has averaged around 20 points per game and is likely to surpass 23.5 points in this game, according to betting predictions.

The Pelicans arrive in San Antonio after a disappointing loss against the Orlando Magic, which marked their fifth defeat in six games. The team has struggled with consistency all season, but Zion Williamson’s return has provided a bright spot. In that last matchup, Williamson scored 20 points despite the team’s overall struggles.

“We need to be better on both ends of the floor,” Pelicans coach remarked. “Turning the page on the last few games is crucial as we aim to build some momentum.”

For New Orleans, injuries also plague their roster. Herbert Jones and Dejounte Murray are confirmed to be out for the season, affecting their defensive depth, while Brandon Boston Jr. is still recovering from an ankle injury. The health status of Kelly Olynyk and Yves Missi remains uncertain.

The Pelicans’ lineup is anchored by CJ McCollum and Williamson, but their inconsistent performance has been troubling. Williamson aims to capitalize on his opportunities, with projections suggesting he will grab over 9.5 rebounds against a Spurs team that struggles on the defensive glass.

As both teams approach this matchup, trends indicate that both squads have been faltering defensively, with the Spurs allowing 118.2 points per game over the last ten games, while the Pelicans are giving up 112.2 points on average.

Betting analysts predict a competitive game with both teams projected to score over 110 points. The over/under line is set at 235.5, leading to speculation on a potential high-scoring affair. The Pelicans are favored by 5.5 points, reflecting the pressures they face going into the game.

As game time approaches, both teams will aim to harness their respective strengths while navigating an array of injuries. It remains unclear if the Spurs can capitalize on their home advantage against the Pelicans in what promises to be a compelling encounter for fans.