Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Three straight losses have dropped the san antonio spurs to below .500 after the young squad seemed to be turning things around early in the season. Without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have struggled in two straight games, allowing the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls to score over 135 points. Wembanyama will be a game-time decision on Sunday as the New Orleans Pelicans come to town.

The Pelicans have struggled with injuries more than just about any team in the NBA. They haven’t had Zion Williamson this season, while major players like CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Brandon Ingram have missed time. The Pelicans are last in the NBA in net rating and have lost 9 of their last 10 games. But they are getting closer to full health, with Ingram, Murray, and McCollum returning from injuries.

The Spurs have a good opportunity to get back on track against a Pelicans squad that’s still trying to figure it out.

San antonio spurs(11-12) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (5-19)

December 8th, 2024 | 6 PM CT

Watch: FanDuel Southwest | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: Victor Wembanyama – Questionable (back), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Tre Jones – Out (shoulder)

Pelicans Injuries: N/A (Injury report to be released at 1 pm on Sunday)

What to watch for

Wembanyama’s status

The Spurs just haven’t been the same without their star center. The defense has struggled, and they’ve missed his presence as an offensive hub. Getting him back against a Pelicans squad that struggles to contain opposing big men will be key to breaking the streak.

Can the Spurs defense bounce back?

San Antonio’s defense has looked poor since Wembanyama has been out. Getting him back will undoubtedly help. Even if he can’t go, they should have an opportunity to improve against one of the lowest-scoring offenses in the league, scoring just 104 points per game. They aren’t a team to be taken lightly, but they don’t have the offensive prowess of the Kings, Suns, or Bulls.

Chris Paul moved up the assist leaderboard

CP3 is approaching a major career milestone on Sunday. At 39 years old, the point guard sits just two assists behind Jason Kidd for second all-time in the stat. He currently sits at 12,089 assists for his career. Spurs fans will likely get a glimpse at history on Sunday night if Paul can get three assists. He’s got quite a ways to go to reach John Stockton, who tossed 15,806 assists in his career.