The New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) host the San Antonio Spurs (34-48) in the Western Conference Play-in Game. It projects as a closely-contested game between two inconsistent teams.
The Pelicans have been much better since acquiring CJ McCollum at the trade deadline, going 13-13 with the star guard in the lineup. Even better, they’ve gone 4-1 with Brandon Ingram playing alongside McCollum.
The Spurs finished their season strong, going 7-4 in their last 11 games. They’re led by triple-double machine Dejounte Murray, who has ascended into stardom in his fifth NBA season.
Pelicans vs Spurs Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and current as of Monday, April 11, at 11 a.m ET.
- Moneyline: New Orleans Pelicans (-210), San Antonio Spurs (+175)
- Spread: New Orleans Pelicans -5 (-110), San Antonio Spurs +5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) / Under 228.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: New Orleans Pelicans 116.75, San Antonio Spurs 111.75
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Pelicans vs Spurs Prediction
The Spurs won the head-to-head meetings 3-to-1, with two of those wins coming while McCollum was in the lineup. However, if Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas are able to play in this game, it could be tough sledding for the Spurs on the road.
The Pelicans have only played five games with Ingram, McCollum, and Valanciunas together, winning four of them. We haven’t seen this team at full strength, so there’s a chance that they’re even better than their .500 record with McCollum.
Ingram and Valanciunas look ready to roll, which gives the Pelicans the edge, especially with how good McCollum has played for them. The sharp-shooting guard has averaged 24.3 points while shooting 49.3 percent from the field in New Orleans.
Pelicans vs Spurs Score Pick
Pelicans 113, Spurs 109
I’m rolling with the Pelicans here because of how much better they’ve played since acquiring McCollum. While they’ve had a tough time with the Spurs this season, I believe that they’ll have all hands on deck in this one. I’m fully expecting both Ingram and Valanciunas to suit up for this matchup.
Pelicans vs Spurs Best Bets
Spurs Cover +5 Spread vs Pelicans (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
You might wonder why I’m betting on the Spurs against the spread despite favoring the Pelicans in this matchup. The reason is simple: this is too many points in a game that could come down to the last possession.
The Spurs have also been great against the spread, going 9-1 in their last 10 games. Add in the fact that they’ve played the Pelicans tough all season and you have a live dog. I’m more comfortable taking the points here with New Orleans squeaking out a close win.
Under 228.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Under is 48-32-1 in Pelicans games this season, as they play at a slower pace (21st in NBA). While the Spurs play at a fast pace (T-5th), this is playoff basketball, where teams tighten up defensively.
In four meetings this year, Spurs vs Pelicans games have averaged 220.5 points per game. Only one of these games has gone Over the 228.5-point total.
Expect this to be a close game that slows down in the fourth quarter. Roll with the Under here.
Pelicans vs Spurs Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+400)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
- Pelicans Moneyline
- Pelicans: UNDER 115.5 Points
- Spurs: UNDER 110.5 Points
I’m much more comfortable taking the Pelicans to win outright on the moneyline as opposed to laying five points. This single-game parlay correlates with my straight bets, as I like the Under in this spot, so I’m taking both teams to score fewer than their team totals.
While we should still see both teams put up 100-plus points, it’s going to be tough for them to get in the 110-plus range now that it’s playoff basketball. If Ingram and/or Valanciunas are out for this game, it’s also a boon for the Under.
