The New Orleans Pelicans host the San Antonio Spurs in a battle of two teams that come into the play-in game playing some solid basketball. The Pelicans have gone 8-5 in their last 13, while the Spurs have won seven of their last 11 games.
New Orleans has been a different team since acquiring CJ McCollum, putting up a 13-13 record with him in the lineup, which is much better than their 36-46 season total.
San Antonio is led by star guard Dejounte Murray, winning three of four meetings against the Pelicans. The game has a 228.5-point total, so it projects for a lot of points. We could see a big night for the stars on both sides.
All NBA playoffs odds are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and current as of Tuesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. ET.
New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Player Props
CJ McCollum, Pelicans: UNDER 26.5 Points (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
CJ McCollum is averaging 24.3 points on 19.2 field goal attempts per game in 26 games with the Pelicans. This projects as a high-scoring game with a 227-point total, which is a good game environment for a high-volume shooter like McCollum.
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However, 26.5 points is a high bar to clear, especially for a player who has gone Under this number in six of his last seven games. We also have to consider the fact that McCollum often takes on a playmaking role for New Orleans, averaging 5.8 assists since joining the team.
We’ll take the conservative approach and go with the Under in this one.
Jonas Valanciunas, Pelicans: UNDER 12.5 Rebounds (-135)
WAGER: 1 Unit
This is another high number, especially for a big man who has failed to haul in 13 or more rebounds in six consecutive games. You always have the chance for foul trouble when you’re taking the Under on a center like Jonas Valanciunas as well.
While the Spurs could force this into a fast-paced game — they are tied for fifth in that category — the Pelicans might conversely slow down the game (21st in pace). A slower game means fewer shot attempts and rebounding opportunities.
This is simply too high of a bar for Valanciunas here, so roll with the Under.
Dejounte Murray, Spurs: OVER 9.5 Assists (+110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I like the value that we’re getting on the Over here at plus money. Dejounte Murray averaged 9.2 assists this season, going Over this number in four of his last nine games. This makes it seem like a risky bet, but I think we could see Murray put up double-digit assists here.
He’s going to have to carry the Spurs if they’re to advance out of the play-in game, so expect heavy minutes for the star point guard. Murray averaged 10.1 assists from December through February, so he’s fully capable of eclipsing this total.
Pelicans vs Spurs Game Props
Spurs UNDER 111.5 Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Pelicans are favored by 5.5 points and should be able to get it done at home, especially if Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas are able to suit up for this game.
New Orleans has been an Under machine this season, going below the number in 48 of 82 games. The Pels play at a slow pace (21st), which bodes well for the Under.
The 111.5-point team total is a high bar for the underdog Spurs in this spot. Look for the Pelicans to win a close game and keep this below the number.
Pelicans To Win By 3-6 Points (+360)
WAGER: 0.25 Units
This game feels like it’ll come down to the last possession. The Spurs have played New Orleans tough this season, winning three of four meetings. While I think the Pelicans will win, San Antonio should be able to keep it close.
Murray has the ability to take over a game with his scoring and playmaking ability. Let’s take a shot at the exact winning margin here with this value pick.
