Pelicans’ advantages and disadvantages vs. the Spurs
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the San Antonio Spurs in the play-in game on Wednesday with hopes of winning their way into the playoffs.
Both teams were winners of six of their final ten games, but carried losing streaks into the play-in tournament, as the Pels lost two in a row going in and the Spurs lost three in a row.
The Spurs won three of the four matchups this season and have been a thorn in the Pelicans’ side, so this will not be an easy game for New Orleans even though they will have home court advantage.
The regular season no longer matters, so how do the Pels match up with the Spurs in a elimination game? Let’s take a look at injuries and each team’s mismatches for the biggest game in New Orleans in years.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs: Rosters and injuries
Both teams will be missing some key players, but will be near full strength for Wednesday’s do-or-die game in the Smoothie King Center.
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The Spurs will be without sharpshooter Doug McDermott and Lonnie Walker IV is listed as day-to-day but is expected to suit up for the play-in game.
The Pelicans will be missing Kira Lewis Jr. and Zion Williamson, though there are some rumblings that Zion might return at some point if the Pelicans can make the playoffs.
Obviously, not having Zion is a much bigger loss, but he hasn’t played all season, so it shouldn’t affect the Pelicans. The Pels were missing several guys for the season finale against the Warriors, but they are all expected to be ready to go against San Antonio.
I don’t really see a big advantage for either team here, as both rosters are as close to full strength as they have been for most of the season.
Advantage: None