New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs Betting Preview

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— Sunday, December 12th New Orleans Pelicans @ San Antonio Spurs

The New Orleans Pelicans head out to face the Spurs on Sunday afternoon. New Orleans is 8-20 on the year; it's been quite a tough one, to be sure. However, they are coming off of a win over the Detroit Pistons, 109-93.

There's more news on the Zion Williamson front, as well as it seems he won't be joining the team. Williamson isn't the only player out against the Spurs.

The San Antonio Spurs are 9-16 this season, not much better than the Pelicans. They're coming off of a loss to the Denver Nuggets. However, before that loss, they did beat the Denver Nuggets 123-111.

They come in as the obvious favorite here, but not by much, only two points. As you head to place your bets this morning, which one of these teams should make the ticket?

New Orleans Pelicans: Pelicans have to rely on Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram has become the superstar of this team in Williamson's absence. It also seems as if Williamson will be out for a while after suffering another setback.

Playing against the Spurs with so many players out will be tough, but Ingram has them covered. In their win over the Pistons, Ingram scored 26 points. They also won this game without point guard Kira Lewis.

Neither of these teams has a whole lot going for them right now. It's been a tough season for the Pelicans, especially with the Zion Williamson injuries. The rest of the active players have to find a way to create space for Brandon Ingram to work.

He's the best chance the Pelicans have at winning games and their best scorer. If the Pelicans can do this, Brandon Ingram will capitalize.

San Antonio Spurs: All the focus will be on shutting down Ingram

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, the Spurs will know exactly what they're planning. Brandon Ingram is the Pelicans' best player, so the Spurs will defend him closely.

Remember that the Spurs found a way to beat the Nuggets, one of the best in the Western Conference. However, the Spurs also lost to the Nuggets the following game. So, this game is still a toss-up.

The Spurs aren't dealing with as many injuries in this game, which definitely helps. However, they don't have as much talent on their roster either. Their free-throw percentage is one of the worst in the NBA at 70.09%.

Their defense allows over 109.12 points per game on average as well. After looking at what these to bring to the game, let's go over the betting odds and our pick.

Our Pick for New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs

So, the Spurs have the benefit of being at home and have a good history against the Pelicans. Over their last ten games against New Orleans, they've gone 7-3.

However, the Spurs don't capitalize at the free-throw line and don't have a very good defense. They come into this game -2.5 and are 14-11 against the spread this season.

The Pelicans might not have a better record, but they've got Brandon Ingram. Ingram has been on fire lately, and we don't see that fire being put out this time. Take the road team +2.5 in this one and expect Brandon Ingram to have a great game.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +2.5, UNDER

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