The San Antonio Spurs’ season has taken a different turn with Victor Wembanyama sidelined, but they’ve got a friendly matchup on deck tonight against the lottery-bound New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans has dropped nine of its last 10 games, and my Spurs vs Pelicans predictions signal a field day for the San Antonio backcourt at Smoothie King Center.
Read on for my NBA picks and betting tips for this February 23 clash.
Spurs vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet
De'Aaron Fox Over 25.5 points (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Though De’Aaron Fox is still settling into life with the San Antonio Spurs, he’s unquestionably got the keys to the offense for the next 28 games.
His partnership with Victor Wembanyama gives San Antonio an exciting future, but Fox will be the main man in the short term. Wemby, who has deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, is ruled out for the rest of the season.
For the Spurs, there’s at least some reassurance with Fox’s recent form, including 27 points on 11-for-18 shooting in Friday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, and I’m picking the crafty guard for another scoring outburst here against the 13-43 New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans are allowing 119.3 ppg this year, fourth-most in the league, and there’s not much perimeter defense or rim protection to corral Fox when he gets downhill. New Orleans gave up 35 points to Kyrie Irving last time out, and the hosts are desperately short on plus defenders without Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray.
That paves the way for Fox to live in the paint tonight, and he’s gone past this 25.5 O/U line in three of his last four outings. While he’s just a career 33% 3-point shooter, he’s even made six of his last 14 attempts from beyond the arc.
In what feels like a high-scoring contest, I see Fox doing the heavy lifting for this San Antonio offense and walking into enough volume to cash this Over.
Spurs vs Pelicans same-game parlay
De'Aaron Fox Over 25.5 points
Chris Paul Over 7.5 assists
Over 237.5
At age 39, it’s asking a lot for Chris Paul to be at his best on the second night of a back-to-back set, so I’m throwing out his dud against the Pistons on Friday. After all, CP3 had piled up 27 dimes across his prior three outings — including 10 assists against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday — and that’s the level of playmaking I expect tonight.
Paul is averaging eight assists per game this season, and he’s still got the sky-high IQ to pick through a shaky New Orleans defense. He also dished 10 dimes against the Pels back in December.
I’m also picking a slightly adjusted Over here, with offense as the strong suit for both teams. The hosts may not come up with many stops, but Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III will get buckets, especially with no Wemby to wall off the paint.
The Over is 31-24-1 for the Pelicans this season, and it’s hit in six of their last nine games. The Spurs have trended towards the Over, too (30-23-1), and that’s been a winning ticket in three of the past four meetings between these teams.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Spurs vs Pelicans odds
Spurs vs Pelicans live odds
Spurs vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: San Antonio -1 | New Orleans +1
- Moneyline: San Antonio -110 | New Orleans -110
- Over/Under: Over 241 | Under 241
Odds courtesy of bet365
Spurs vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Pelicans enter as slight home favorites despite a 1-9 record in their last 10 games. They’ve also won eight of the last 10 matchups against the Spurs.
- San Antonio is 9-16 on the road, while New Orleans is 9-19 at home.
- The hosts have covered the first-half spread in 18 of their last 27 games at Smoothie King Center.
- The Pelicans have cashed in the team total Over in 11 of their last 14 home contests.
Spurs vs Pelicans trend
The Pelicans have hit the 1H Over in 31 of their last 45 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Spurs vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Date | Sunday, 2-23-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network-SW, GCSEN |
Spurs vs Pelicans latest injuries
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