New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs ATS Prediction

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The NBA’s top scoring defense will be 4-point favorites at home in AT&T Center, when the San Antonio Spurs (38-30) square off against the New Orleans Pelicans (39-28). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 219.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs ATS Odds

Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Spurs dismantled the Orlando Magic 108-72, while the Pelicans were victorious over the Charlotte Hornets 119-115.

New Orleans dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 27.5 (above their season average of 19.7) and a turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 13.1). For those same stats, Charlotte was 18.2 and 11.2, respectively. The Spurs, meanwhile, made 19 of their 23 free throws (82.6 percent), while the Magic had a turnover percentage of 18.9 (above their season average of 13.0). San Antonio received a boost from LaMarcus Aldridge, who finished with 24 points and seven rebounds. Anthony Davis led the way for New Orleans, putting up 31 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks.

The offensive glass could be a huge advantage for San Antonio in this showdown. The Spurs currently rank eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 percent), while New Orleans ranks 21st in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent). Contrasting styles will be on display in this matchup. The fast-breaking Pelicans rank second in possessions per game, while the more methodical Spurs rank 29th.

Of the Pelicans’ 67 games, 42 have finished over the total. New Orleans holds records of 39-28 straight up (SU) and 36-31 against the spread (ATS).

In opposition of New Orleans, games featuring the Spurs have finished under the total 54.4 percent of the time. Further, San Antonio is 38-30 SU and 33-31-4 ATS.

In their two matchups this season, the Pelicans have won both. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to put up 237 points, well over the projected point total of 218.5. New Orleans won 121-116, covering as a 5-point underdog. Making free throws was one of New Orleans’ biggest advantages. They were 12-15 (80.0 percent), while the Spurs were 11-14 (78.6 percent). Davis put up a double-double in the victory with 26 points and 15 rebounds.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Spurs rank 20th in steals per game (7.4) while the Pelicans rank 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
  • New Orleans ranks second in points in the paint per game (51.9) while San Antonio ranks 21st (43.4).
  • The Spurs rank 10th in rebounds per game (44.2) while the Pelicans rank 26th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4).
  • San Antonio ranks 13th in second chance points allowed per game (12.1) while New Orleans ranks 28th (13.5).
  • San Antonio ranks 20th in points off turnovers per game (16.1) while New Orleans ranks 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.7).
  • The Spurs rank eighth in three pointers allowed per game (27.0) while the Pelicans rank 25th (30.6).
  • The Pelicans rank second in assists per game (26.7) while the Spurs rank 13th (23.0).
  • San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while New Orleans ranks fourth (4.2).
  • New Orleans ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.3) while San Antonio ranks 22nd (10.1).
  • In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, New Orleans is 8-1 and San Antonio is 26-10.
  • The Spurs are 31-10 when they score above 100 points, while the Pelicans are 37-18.
  • New Orleans is 23-12 ATS on the road, while San Antonio is 18-13-1 ATS at home.
  • Of the Pelicans’ 35 road games, they have 18 overs and 17 unders.
  • The Spurs have 17 overs and 15 unders in 32 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, New Orleans and San Antonio are both 2-3 ATS.
  • The Pelicans have 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games, while the Spurs have 5 unders
  • The Pelicans have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. For the season, New Orleans has defeated opponents by an average of 0.4 points.
  • During their last five games, the Spurs have scored an average of 100.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 98.6 points per game (0.8 below their season average).