The San Antonio Spurs are on the second-longest dropping streak in franchise historical past, at 13-straight losses. It appeared as if they may snap the streak in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks, however couldn’t overcome Trae Younger’s late sport heroics in a 137-135 loss. They’ll should bounce again in opposition to a troublesome New Orleans squad on the second sport of a again to again.
The Pelicans are one of many Western Convention groups to make the knockout rounds of the In Season Match. They’ve been led by Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, who’s seemingly wholesome, averaging 24 factors, 5.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists in his 16 video games. The Pelicans are a bodily group that likes to assault the paint. The Spurs may have their work lower out to them as they journey to New Orleans.
San Antonio Spurs (3-15) at New Orleans Pelicans (10-9)
December 1, 2023 | 7 P.M. CT
Watch: Bally | Hear: WOAI/KXTN
Spurs accidents: Should publish damage report by 1 p.m. on December 1.
Pelicans accidents: Jose Alverado – Questionable (proper ankle,) Trey Murphy III – Questionable (left knee,) Larry Nance Jr. – Out (proper rib,) Matt Ryan – Uncertain (proper calf,) Dereon Seabron – Out (G League)
What to observe for
Defending the paint
The Pelicans are a rim attacking group. Williamson is a strolling paint contact. Jonas Valančiūnas is a bully within the paint, and Ingram is an effective playmaking wing. Over half of the Pelicans roster takes greater than 50% of their pictures from two level vary. They take the fifth least three pointers within the league at round 31 per sport. This may occasionally bode effectively for the Spurs, who enable their opponents to shoot the second highest three level proportion within the NBA (39.8%.)
With Victor Wembanyama’s standing up within the air, the Spurs will want Zach Collins and firm to carry down the paint. Jeremy Sochan will probably get the Williamson project, which can be a check to his energy and athleticism. All arms should be on deck to cease the Pelicans paint assault.
Sochan off the ball
Sochan had his finest sport of the season in opposition to Atlanta, scoring 33 factors and including 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He did plenty of that work enjoying off the ball alongside Tre Jones. Sochan thrives as a connective piece, reducing off the ball and being a secondary playmaker. Thursday evening confirmed how good he might be in a task that fits him.
New Orleans is a good defensive membership. They’re eleventh within the NBA in defensive ranking. The Spurs offensive assault is undoubtedly higher when Sochan performs extra off the ball. With Wembanyama doubtlessly sitting out the second sport of a again to again, will we see extra lineups with Sochan and Jones? It could be a key to unlocking the Spurs offensive assault in opposition to the Pelicans.
The battle on the boards
Very like defending the paint, securing rebounds can be vital in opposition to New Orleans. They’re 14th within the NBA in rebounding, San Antonio is twenty second. If Wembanyama sits, that leaves the Spurs with out certainly one of their finest rebounders. To maintain large our bodies like Williamson and Valančiūnas off the boards, the Silver and Black will want a full group effort rebounding the basketball.
