NBA 2025-2026: New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
New Orleans Pelicans
Home Team
38.2%
114.2 pts
VS
San Antonio Spurs
Away Team
61.8%
122.2 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The San Antonio Spurs are predicted to win against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 61.8% probability. The expected scoreline suggests a victory for the Spurs, 122.2 to 114.2. The anticipated starting lineup for the Pelicans includes Jeremiah Fears, Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey, Trey Murphy III, and Derik Queen. For the Spurs, the projected starters are De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Luke Kornet.
Game Analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans head into this matchup on a three-game losing streak, with their most recent defeats coming against the Brooklyn Nets and twice against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite high-scoring efforts, including a 142-point outing, defensive struggles have been a recurring issue, allowing over 119 points in each loss. The Pelicans' starting five exhibit a mix of offensive talents, with Trey Murphy III leading the charge (20.5 average points) and Saddiq Bey contributing significantly as well. However, their defensive ratings are concerning, with most starters above the 119 mark.
Conversely, the San Antonio Spurs have shown resilience, winning two of their last three games. After a setback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they bounced back with victories over the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs' starting lineup features De'Aaron Fox, who boasts a robust offensive rating of 118.9 and leads in scoring at 25 points per game. Harrison Barnes and Stephon Castle also provide offensive balance, while the team's defensive ratings suggest a more cohesive effort compared to the Pelicans. Luke Kornet's exceptional offensive rating of 147.7 could be an X-factor in this matchup.
Final Prediction
The Spurs' edge in this contest stems from their recent form and balanced team performance, especially on the defensive end. One key factor to watch during the game will be San Antonio's ability to exploit the Pelicans' defensive vulnerabilities, potentially leading to a high-scoring affair in their favor.