Three straight losses have dropped the San Antonio Spurs to under .500 after the younger squad gave the impression to be turning issues round early within the season. With out Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have struggled in two straight video games, permitting the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls to attain over 135 factors. Wembanyama can be a game-time resolution on Sunday because the New Orleans Pelicans come to city.
The Pelicans have struggled with accidents extra than simply about any workforce within the NBA. They haven’t had Zion Williamson this season, whereas main gamers like CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Brandon Ingram have missed time. The Pelicans are final within the NBA in web score and have misplaced 9 of their final 10 video games. However they’re getting nearer to full well being, with Ingram, Murray, and McCollum coming back from accidents.
The Spurs have alternative to get again on monitor towards a Pelicans squad that’s nonetheless attempting to determine it out.
San Antonio Spurs (11-12) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (5-19)
December eighth, 2024 | 6 PM CT
Watch: FanDuel Southwest | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Victor Wembanyama – Questionable (again), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Tre Jones – Out (shoulder)
Pelicans Accidents: N/A (Damage report back to be launched at 1 pm on Sunday)
What to look at for
Wembanyama’s standing
The Spurs simply haven’t been the identical with out their star heart. The protection has struggled, they usually’ve missed his presence as an offensive hub. Getting him again towards a Pelicans squad that struggles to include opposing large males can be key to breaking the streak.
Can the Spurs protection bounce again?
San Antonio’s protection has appeared poor since Wembanyama has been out. Getting him again will undoubtedly assist. Even when he can’t go, they need to have a chance to enhance towards one of many lowest-scoring offenses within the league, scoring simply 104 factors per sport. They aren’t a workforce to be taken frivolously, however they don’t have the offensive prowess of the Kings, Suns, or Bulls.
Chris Paul moved up the help leaderboard
CP3 is approaching a serious profession milestone on Sunday. At 39 years outdated, the purpose guard sits simply two assists behind Jason Kidd for second all-time within the stat. He presently sits at 12,089 assists for his profession. Spurs followers will possible get a glimpse at historical past on Sunday night time if Paul can get three assists. He’s bought fairly a methods to go to achieve John Stockton, who tossed 15,806 assists in his profession.