Issues are wanting drastically totally different than anticipated for a Spurs crew now formally 4 video games into the remainder of a Wembanyama-less season. The absence of a 7’4” dynamo has a means of affecting the structure of a complete season.
The devastating information of Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending blood clot has forged a little bit of a shadow over San Antonio, leaving the crew scrambling to seek out its new id, particularly when mixed with the end-of-season (and doubtlessly profession) information relating to Gregg Popovich’s personal restoration.
Already perilously skinny at heart, the Spurs have taken their share of harm lumps for the season (hopefully). Nonetheless, fortunately they’re enjoying a pair of video games in opposition to one of many NBA’s 4 worst groups (by document).
The Pelicans are coping with personal their setbacks, having misplaced Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones for the season. Each groups entered the 12 months with excessive hopes, however now they need to alter on the fly, making this match-up a battle of resilience as a lot as ability.
The Pelicans nonetheless have a harmful mixture of athleticism and pure scoring energy. Zion Williamson stays a drive of nature within the paint, whereas CJ McCollum continues to be the veteran chief of the back-court.
With out the not too long ago traded Brandon Ingram, New Orleans has needed to discover new methods to generate offense, relying extra on their expertise for forcing turnovers (fifth in steals — eighth in blocks), their skill to get to the road (tenth in free-throws tried), and a blistering tempo (tenth) to make up for different shortcomings.
One key issue on this sport will probably be rebounding—or somewhat, which crew can reap the benefits of the opposite’s struggles on the glass. The Pelicans discover themselves close to the underside of the league in rebounding, an uncommon weak spot for a crew with Williamson within the frontcourt. With out Wembanyama patrolling the paint, the Spurs might want to discover methods to capitalize on second-chance alternatives and management the boards to achieve an edge.
One other essential matchup? De’Aaron Fox in opposition to CJ McCollum. Fox’s velocity and playmaking skill could possibly be the X-factor in breaking down the Pelicans’ protection, whereas McCollum’s shot-making will check the Spurs’ perimeter defenders. If San Antonio can include McCollum and disrupt New Orleans’ offensive circulation, they’ll give themselves a preventing probability.
Make no mistake, this Pelicans crew is unhealthy, however the Spurs aren’t precisely reigning superior after final sport’s fourth-quarter whooping, by which the Pelicans scored 39 factors.
Extra will probably be wanted from all of San Antonio’s gamers, particularly the once-again slumping Devin Vassell, who has scored in single digits in 4 of the final 5 video games and hasn’t gone off for greater than 13 factors because the eighth of February.
Then once more, with each groups doubtlessly gunning for higher draft decide positions, there’s no telling how motivated both crew will probably be to win. Hopefully, Mitch Johnson and the Spurs will look to make use of this as a chance to additional gel as a crew and provides it their finest.
After such a tumultuous season by franchise requirements, that’s all you may actually ask.
San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans
February twenty fifth, 2025 | 7:00 CT
Watch: FanDuel Sports activities Community Southwest | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey – Out (Knee), Victor Wembanyama – Out (Incurable Badass)
Pelicans Accidents: Brandon Boston – Out (Sickness), Herb Jones – Out (Shoulder), Dejounte Murray – Out (Shedding For The Subsequent 15 Years)
For the Pelicans’ fan’s perspective, please go to The Chicken Writes.
PtR’s Sport thread will probably be up this night for many who wish to chat by means of the sport. It’s also possible to comply with together with the motion by means of PtR’s Twitter feed.
