Key Highlights
- New Orleans Pelicans travel to San Antonio for a rematch after an overtime game on October 24.
- The Pelicans feature a strong bench and have responded well to their shorthanded situation with consecutive victories.
- Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 draft pick of 2023, is expected to face off against the Pelicans in his season debut alongside De’ Aaron Fox.
- New Orleans aims to continue its improvement and show significant progress despite facing a San Antonio team ranked ninth in offense and third in defense.
Rematch in the Alamo City: Pelicans vs. Spurs
The New Orleans Pelicans, currently sporting a 2-6 record in the NBA, will travel to San Antonio for a rematch against the 6-2 Spurs on November 8 at 7 p.m. Central time. The game is set to air on GCSEN with WWL broadcasting on radio.
The matchup between these two Southwest Division clubs is highly anticipated, as they previously engaged in a hard-fought, playoff-like overtime game back on October 24. Despite featuring three 20-point scorers from the Pelicans (Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Jordan Poole), San Antonio managed to prevail with a score of 120-116.
Key Players for New Orleans
Saddiq Bey, an offseason trade addition, has been instrumental in back-to-back victories against Charlotte and Dallas. He leads the team in scoring at 19.5 points per game while shooting 64 percent from three-point range over the past two games.
Jose Alvarado has provided a steady presence on offense and defense, outscoring his opponents by 33 points this week with averages of 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. His performance was highlighted by sinking the game-winning basket against Charlotte.
Derik Queen, a rookie who has been playing in key roles during Week 3, contributed significantly with his defensive prowess and stat-sheet-stuffing skills, averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.5 steals.
San Antonio’s Star Power
Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall draft pick of 2023, had a dominant performance in San Antonio’s 5-0 start in October, averaging 30.2 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks per game. However, he has been more subdued in recent games with averages of 16.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.
De’ Aaron Fox, a New Orleans-born player expected to make his season debut, is known for delivering big performances against the Pelicans. He has averaged 21.8 points and 6.6 assists during his career with the Sacramento Kings.
Stephon Castle, who won Rookie of the Year in the 2024-25 season, is San Antonio’s second-leading scorer at 18.8 points per game. His performance against New Orleans on October 24 included a crucial three-pointer from the left wing that secured the lead in regulation.
Lineups and Injuries
The Pelicans will be without key players like Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, Yves Missi due to injuries. Additional absences include Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and two-way contract players Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson.
San Antonio’s lineup is solid with Stephon Castle leading the scoring at 18.8 points per game. The team will also rely on key contributors like Dylan Harper, who was out due to a calf injury before facing Houston but could return for this game.
The Pelicans are looking to build upon their recent victories against Charlotte and Dallas while continuing to improve defensively. Meanwhile, San Antonio aims to maintain its strong offensive performance and solidify its defensive stance as they prepare for this important match in the Southwest Division standings.
