The San Antonio Spurs snapped their franchise-high 18 sport dropping streak in an emphatic 129-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. With that monkey off their backs, they will transfer ahead with the remainder of their season. The brand new beginning 5 that features Victor Wembanyama enjoying middle has been enjoying some strong basketball over the previous couple of video games. They’ll get an opportunity to begin a profitable streak in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans have been scorching after dropping to the Lakers within the In Season Match. They’re winners of three straight together with a double-digit win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The final time the Spurs confronted the Pelicans on December 1, they have been defeated 121-106. The Pelicans dominated inside, led by Jonas Valančiūnas who had 24 factors and 12 rebounds. San Antonio might want to compete on the inside to take down the Pelicans.
San Antonio Spurs (4-20) vs New Orleans Pelicans (15-11)
December 17, 2023 | 2:30 PM CT
Watch: Bally | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey – Out (left ACL,) Dominick Barlow – Questionable (G League,) Charles Bediako – Out (G League,) Sidy Cissoko – Questionable (G League,) Zach Collins – Possible (left knee,) David Duke Jr. – Out (G League,) Tre Jones – Questionable (sickness,) Blake Wesley – Questionable (G League)
Pelicans Accidents: Kira Lewis – Out (G League,) Larry Nance Jr. – Out (proper rib,) Matt Ryan – Out (proper elbow,) Dereon Seabron – Out (G League,) Cody Zeller – Accessible (face)
What to observe for
Limiting turnovers
One of many causes the Spurs offense was so efficient in opposition to the Lakers was they took care of the basketball. They turned the ball over simply 9 occasions on Friday evening. The Spurs flip the ball over 16 occasions a sport, the third most within the NBA. The Pelicans are adept at creating turnovers, stealing the ball 8.2 occasions a sport, seventh most within the league. Protecting turnovers to a minimal shall be key for San Antonio’s offense to function on the effectivity displayed in opposition to the Lakers.
Protecting it up defensively
The Spurs have been bettering defensively all season. Transferring Wembanyama to the middle place full-time has performed them wonders in that regard. The final time they performed the Pelicans, they gave up straightforward driving lanes that led to kick outs and dump offs, the place Valančiūnas thrived. San Antonio has performed significantly better at containing drives, and Wembanyama has altered any photographs that do come on the rim.
The Pelicans have numerous gamers who can damage you on the offensive finish. C.J. McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III can all get to the basket and end. The Spurs may have their palms full stopping the Pelicans from scoring inside.
Vassell stays scorching
Devin Vassell was spectacular in opposition to the Lakers on Friday evening. He had a career-high 36 factors in a dominant efficiency. He shot 5-10 from deep, however scored 15 of his factors attacking the basket. Vassell is an effective shooter, however being a menace to place stress on the rim makes him an much more dynamic scorer. Search for Vassell to remain aggressive in opposition to the Pelicans.
