The second play-in game for the Western Conference is between the New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) and San Antonio Spurs (34-48). The Pelicans host the Spurs Wednesday with the winner playing the Los Angeles Clippers to determine the No. 8 seed in the playoffs, and first-round opponent of the top-seeded Phoenix Suns. Tip-off Wednesday for Spurs-Pelicans is 9:30 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center. Below, we look at the Spurs vs. Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Spurs ended the regular season losing their final 3 games after winning 7 of their previous 8. They were not particularly strong at home (16 wins this season) or on the road (18 wins). They did win 3 of 4 games against the Pelicans this season.
The Pelicans lost their final 2 games of the regular season, but finished up winning 6 of 10. They played all season without F Zion Williamson, who has been out with a foot injury. They were led in scoring by G C.J. McCollum, who averaged 24.3 points per game for them after he was acquired via trade. They went 19-22 at home during the regular season.
Spurs at Pelicans odds, spread and lines
- Money line: Spurs +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Pelicans -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Spurs +5.5 (-112) | Pelicans -5.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Spurs at Pelicans key injuries
Spurs
- G Romeo Langford (hamstring) probable
- F Doug McDermott (ankle) out
Pelicans
- F Brandon Ingram (hamstring) probable
- G Kira Lewis (knee) out
- F Zion Williamson (foot) out
Spurs at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Spurs 111, Pelicans 107
Money line
The Spurs will get G Dejounte Murray back in the lineup after missing time with an illness. They won both matchups in New Orleans this season, winning by 4 and by 10 points. Murray went for 31 points and 12 assists in one of those wins.
The Spurs won the last meeting March 26 in New Orleans 107-103. Murray had 15 points and 13 assists, while McCollum led the Pelicans with 32 points.
This will be a battle of McCollum vs. Murray. In Murray’s return, he has the advantage. Take the SPURS (+180).