Stephon Castle and the Spurs will try to make it two wins in two days (Photo via X)
On the second night of a back-to-back, the San Antonio Spurs host the New Orleans Pelicans. Last night, the Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets to improve to a record of 6-2 on the season. The Pelicans, meanwhile, enter tonight’s contest with a record of 2-6.
In San Antonio’s 121-110 victory over Houston, everyone in the starting lineup scored at least 14 points. Harrison Barnes led the way with 24 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field, including 6-of-9 from three-point land. Victor Wembanyama totaled 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks (see the Final Grades).
The Pelicans began the season with six consecutive losses but they’re now on a two-game winning streak. After defeating the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans backed that up with a victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The big news tonight for the Spurs is the return of De’Aaron Fox. He missed the entire preseason and the first eight games of the regular season after suffering a hamstring injury in the offseason.
Luke Kornet could also possibly return tonight but he’s listed as questionable. Kornet suffered a sprained ankle in the second game of the season and has missed every game since then.
Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk are also both listed as questionable. Sochan and Olynyk have each played in the last two games after returning from injury. However, the coaching may sit one of both players tonight since it’s a back-to-back affair.
Dylan Harper, the rookie sensation who was off to a red hot start for San Antonio, remains sidelined with a calf strain.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Update
The Pelicans are also dealing with a lot of injury drama. Zion Williamson is out tonight due to a hamstring injury. Jordan Poole and Yves Missi are also out due to injury.
Former Spurs All-Star guard Dejounte Murray is on the Pelicans but he’s out after suffering a torn Achilles.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
For the first time all season, the starting lineup isn’t clear for the Spurs. Head coach Mitch Johnson will likely insert De’Aaron Fox into the starting five. If he does, expect to start next to Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes and Victor Wembanyama. That would mean Julian Champagnie getting moved to the bench.
It’s also possible that Castle will go to the bench to help a bench unit that was hurt by Dylan Harper’s injury.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Pelicans
The Spurs are favored by 10.5 points and the over/under is 224.5 points. The smart money is on the Spurs winning by at least 11 points. San Antonio is playing well and everyone will be amped for Fox’s return. On the other hand, the Pelicans are dealing with a lot of injuries.