The San Antonio Spurs put the basketball world on discover in a dominant opening evening victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Rapidly, Victor Wembanyama and the staff have grow to be appointment viewing for hoops followers. Friday evening, we’ll see the Alien face off in opposition to a refreshed-looking Zion Williamson in what ought to be an entertaining Western Convention matchup.
The Pelicans are coming off a 122-128 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies through which they blew a 15-point lead. New Orleans misplaced their beginning middle within the course of, as Yves Missi is questionable for Friday’s sport with a sprained ankle. What the Pels lack in dimension, they make up for in athleticism and protection on the wing. Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III be a part of Williamson to make probably the most thrilling wing rooms within the league.
The Spurs wings are not any slouches both. San Antonio led the way in which with protection on Wednesday evening. With Wembanyama patrolling the paint, the Spurs’ perimeter defenders have been in a position to take probabilities on steals within the passing lanes, resulting in simple buckets in transition. The Pelicans will truly play conventional, ball-handling guards in Jordan Poole, Jose Alverado, and Jeremiah Fears, not like the Mavs, who elected to play a ahead at level guard. The Spurs guards and wings will as soon as once more be put to the take a look at in opposition to the Pelicans.
New Orleans is a troublesome squad that shall be motivated to safe its first win of the season in entrance of the house crowd. The Spurs might want to match their depth from Wednesday evening in the event that they wish to go 2-0 on the street journey.
San Antonio Spurs (1-0) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (o-1)
October twenty fourth, 2025 | 7 PM CT
Watch: KENS5 | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: De’Aaron Fox – Out (hamstring), Kelly Olynyk – Out (heel), Jeremy Sochan – Out (wrist), Lindy Waters – Out (eye)
Pelicans Accidents: Kevon Looney – Out (knee), Karlo Matkovic – Questionable (low again), Yves Missi – Questionable (ankle), Dejounte Murray – Out (achilles), Jaden Springer – Out (not with staff)
The Pelicans had 17 offensive rebounds in opposition to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. They acquired offensive boards from throughout their roster, however Williamson led the way in which with 5. New Orleans is athletic and powerful on the wings. If San Antonio doesn’t rebound as a staff, they may very well be in for an extended evening within the Huge Straightforward. The Spurs did job of boxing out and crashing the defensive glass in opposition to the Mavericks. Having Wembanyama deliberately taking part in across the basket to not solely shield photographs but additionally seize boards is essential. Once more, matching the depth from Wednesday shall be key.
Devin Vassell’s scoring
Outdoors of Wembanyama, the Spurs could have run probably the most offensive performs for Vassell. They have been intentional about getting him coming off screens and handoffs, seeking to get simple jumpers within the mid-range and from three. He performed nicely, scoring 13 factors on 6-14 capturing. As groups shortly understand they should ship a number of our bodies at Wembanyama, there shall be counters and openings for gamers like Vassell. With New Orleans’ clear dimension drawback in opposition to Wemby, they’ll must be artistic with their coverages in hopes of containing him. In principle, that ought to open up alternatives for Vassell as a scorer. He’ll have an opportunity to construct on his strong opening evening efficiency.
If you’re seeking to nitpick Wednesday evening’s 33-point victory, it could be that it in all probability ought to have been a 42-point victory. The Spurs shot 60.7% from the free-throw line, leaving 9 factors on the stripe. Stephon Citadel notably struggled, capturing 5-10 from the road. Capturing is the swing talent for the Spurs this season, whether or not that’s from three or the stripe. They must be higher on the line because the season goes alongside. All indicators level to Wednesday being an anomaly, nevertheless it’s one thing to regulate nonetheless.
