The New Orleans Pelicans (11-36) travel to face the San Antonio Spurs (31-14) in an inter-conference matchup. The Pelicans, mired in a dismal season and sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference, look for a rare upset against a Spurs team that’s second in the West despite significant injuries. San Antonio’s depth and home dominance could lead to a blowout, but New Orleans’ recent flashes of offense add some uncertainty to this Southwest Division rivalry game.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. This 18,581-capacity arena, formerly known as AT&T Center, is renowned for its passionate fanbase and has been the Spurs’ home since 2002.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT)
TV/Streaming: NBA League Pass; regional broadcasts on Bally Sports Southwest and Bally Sports New Orleans.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing key absences that could impact rotations and strategy. Updates as of January 24, 2026:
New Orleans Pelicans:
Trey Alexander (G): Out – G League two-way assignment.
Jose Alvarado (G): Out – Oblique strain; listed as questionable earlier but ruled out.
Herb Jones (F): Questionable – Ankle sprain; hopeful to return after missing time since January 6.
Zion Williamson (F): Available – Recently cleared from the injury report after previous issues.
Dejounte Murray (G): Out – Significant injury (details limited, but noted as key absence).
San Antonio Spurs:
Harrison Ingram (F): Out – G League assignment.
Devin Vassell (G): Available – Off the injury report after missing 13 games with left adductor strain.
Luke Kornet (C): Out – Thigh injury.
David Jones (F): Out – Undisclosed injury.
Jeremy Sochan (F): Questionable – Illness.
The Spurs get a boost with Vassell’s return, while the Pelicans’ frontcourt could be vulnerable without key contributors.
Key Player Matchups
This game pits offensive talent against defensive anchors:
Zion Williamson (NOP) vs. Victor Wembanyama (SAS): Williamson’s power and drives against Wembanyama’s length and shot-blocking; could be a highlight-reel battle in the paint.
Brandon Ingram (NOP) vs. Keldon Johnson (SAS): Ingram’s scoring versatility (20+ PPG recently) vs. Johnson’s energy and perimeter defense.
CJ McCollum (NOP) vs. Chris Paul (SAS): Veteran guards; McCollum’s shooting against Paul’s playmaking and experience.
Herb Jones (NOP, if playing) vs. Devin Vassell (SAS): Defensive specialists; Jones’ on-ball pressure vs. Vassell’s scoring return from injury. Key watch: Pelicans’ transition game vs. Spurs’ top-ranked defense, which could force turnovers.
Recent Team Forms
New Orleans Pelicans (Last 5 Games): 1-4
Jan 23 @ MEM: W 133-127 (Saddiq Bey 36 PTS; snapped losing streak with strong shooting)
Jan 21 vs. DET: L 110-119 (Close home loss)
Jan 18 @ HOU: L 104-136 (Blowout road defeat)
Jan 16 vs. IND: L 119-127 (Huff’s 29 PTS too much)
Jan 11 vs. ORL: L 118-128 (Home loss to Magic)
The Pelicans are 2-8 in their last 10, with defensive issues allowing 120+ PPG in losses.
San Antonio Spurs (Last 5 Games): 4-1
Jan 22 @ UTA: W 126-109 (De’Aaron Fox 31 PTS, Chet Holmgren 28 PTS; dominant road win)
Jan 19 vs. CLE: W 136-104 (Blowout home victory)
Jan 17 vs. MIA: W 124-112
Jan 11 vs. MIA: W (Per schedule trends)
Jan 9 @ MEM: W 117-116 (OT thriller) The Spurs are 8-2 in their last 10, with a +15 goal differential, showcasing resilience amid injuries.
Series History
The Spurs hold a commanding 59-29 all-time record against the Pelicans in 88 regular-season meetings, including a 63-33 edge when counting playoffs.
San Antonio has won 64 of 99 games since 2004.
In the last 10 matchups, the Spurs are 8-2, including a 135-132 win on December 8, 2025.
The Spurs are 27-17 since 2004 and have dominated recent series.
Betting Trends
Over has hit in 6 of Pelicans’ last 8 as road underdogs.
Trends: Spurs are 4-1 in last 5 games and 2-3 ATS; Pelicans 0-4 ATS as road underdogs of 5-10.5. Head-to-head: Spurs 8-2 in last 10; 82% win probability per models.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 239.5
San Antonio Spurs – 11.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 24, 2026
