Spurs vs Pelicans Betting Odds, Prediction, Pick, TV for Mar 18

Friday's showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans should play a big role in who ultimately makes April's NBA play-in tournament.

Heading into the matchup, the Spurs are just 1.5 games behind the Pelicans for the 10th seed, which would be the lowest seed in the play-in. A victory by San Antonio would cut the deficit to just half a game and ensure they own the tiebreaker in case the teams finish with the same record.

The Spurs come off a nail-biting win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in which Lonnie Walker was the hero with a game-winning three in the closing seconds. It was Walker's third straight game scoring 20+ points off the bench.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans didn't come very close to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, losing 131-115 despite 43 combined points from CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones.

The Spurs have won both games against the Pelicans so far this season, last defeating them 124-114 on February 12th.

San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick

The latest odds from WynnBet have the Spurs as 3.5 point favorites against the Pelicans.

Moneyline
New Orleans Pelicans: +130
San Antonio Spurs: -160

The over/under for the matchup is 237.5. The Spurs are averaging 113 points per game while the Pelicans are averaging 108.3.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Pelicans Prediction

I'm really torn on this one. I think, by now, management knows this Spurs team is at least another year from competing in the postseason, and a higher draft pick would certainly help. Still, Coach Popovich is never going to tell his team to go out there and lay an egg, and Dejounte Murray wouldn't go for that even if he did.

Having a winning rodeo road trip record followed by a winning seven-game homestand record would be a nice accomplishment in this rebuilding season, but the Spurs haven't won two straight games in a month. I'll go with the slight upset here, but this one's a toss-up.

Pelicans 113, Spurs 108

Opponent Role Player to Watch: I haven't forgotten about Jonas Valanciunas torching the Spurs for 23 points and 23 rebounds in last year's play-in game against Memphis. Keep him in check on the glass, and San Antonio should be in a better position for a third straight win in the season series.

What channel is the San Antonio Spurs game on?

The game will air on Bally Sports Southwest and Bally Sports New Orleans. Tip off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.

For a live stream of the game, check out FuboTV for a free trial!

San Antonio Spurs Next Games and Schedule

The Spurs head west to face a Curry-less Golden State Warriors.

Mar. 20 @ Golden State
Mar. 23 @ Portland
Mar. 26 @ New Orleans