Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Preseason Game #3
Jeremy Sochan and the Spurs are trying to get a win in preseason (Photo via Twitter)
After beginning the exhibition season with two losses, the San Antonio Spurs will try to get back on the winning track tonight versus the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spurs got blown out in their preseason opener against the Houston Rockets and then collapsed down the stretch last game versus the Orlando Magic.
Tonight’s game will be a challenge. The Pelicans are 2-0 in preseason and they’re coming off of a playoff run last season. On top of it all, Zion Williamson — one of the best young players in the league — is back after missing all of last season due to injury. New Orleans looks like a safe bet to return to the postseason and they’re even a sleeper pick to represent the Western Conference in the 2023 NBA Finals.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Head coach Gregg Popovich recently stated that Keldon Johnson and Joshua Primo may return for the final two preseason games. However, even if that happens, that still means both Johnson and Primo will still be out for tonight’s game against the Pelicans.
Johnson is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, while Primo is recovering from a sprained ligament in his knee.
New Orleans Hornets Injury Update
The Hornets are dealing with multiple injuries of their own. Jaxson Hayes suffered a torn elbow ligament in New Orleans’ previous preseason game and will miss two weeks. CJ McCollum will also miss tonight’s game due to an ankle injury. Additionally, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III are all listed as questionable for the contest against the Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The San Antonio Spurs have started the same lineup in both of their preseason games: Jakob Poeltl at center, Keita Bates-Diop at power forward, Josh Richardson at small forward, Devin Vassell at shooting guard and Tre Jones at point guard.
Last game, Bates-Diop and Richardson played well in the roles (see the full Grades) and are likely to keep starting — until Johnson and Primo return, at least.
Zion Williamson: San Antonio’s Nightmare
To say that Zion Williamson has found success against the Spurs so far in his career would be an understatement. In five career games, Williams is averaging 24.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 31.2 minutes per game. He has connected on more than half of his shots from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range.
Previously, Popovich has opted to have Jakob Poeltl try to defend Williamson. It’ll be interesting to see if he goes to that alignment tonight.
Spurs vs. Pelicans Betting Guide
Betting on these Spurs to cover will always be a scary proposition but tonight’s game looks like a relatively safe bet, as the Pelicans are favored by seven points. In normal circumstances, the Pelicans would likely cover. However, with the Spurs desperate for a preseason win and a majority of New Orleans’ starters either sidelined are listed as questionable, take San Antonio and the seven points. Playing at home and wanting to avoid a winless preseason, this looks like the opportunity to get a W — or at least for the Spurs to keep it close.