The New Orleans Pelicans return home to face the San Antonio Spurs, kicking off a two-game set inside the Smoothie King Center. With just 13 home games left this season, the Pelicans are looking to build some momentum against a Spurs team that will be playing without its franchise centerpiece, something Pelicans fans are all too familiar with.
No Wemby, No Problem?
San Antonio is officially without Victor Wembanyama for the rest of the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder, a huge setback for a team that still clings to its hopes of making the Play-In Tournament and returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season. The Spurs will have to lean heavily on De’Aaron Fox, acquired at the trade deadline from the Sacramento Kings. Fox has stepped up in a big way, averaging 26.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in two games since Wemby was shut down.
Meanwhile, Stephon Castle has been making his late-season push for Rookie of the Year, averaging 16.4 points in February, including a 33-point outburst against the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month. The Pelicans also have to deal with veteran Chris Paul, the former New Orleans Hornets legend now in his 20th NBA season. CP3 ranks seventh in the league with 8.0 assists per game.
Can the Pelicans Get on Track?
Let’s be real, this season has been a disaster for New Orleans. The injuries have been relentless and the losses have piled up with the Pelicans on pace for the second-worst season in franchise history. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Zion Williamson has looked fantastic when he’s been on the floor. In six February games, he’s averaging 26.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, dominating opponents in transition, in the paint, and above the rim.
Trey Murphy III’s continued development has also been a bright spot, with “Trigga” putting up 23.7 points per game this month on 43% three-point shooting. He scored 25 points when these teams met in December, and with the Spurs struggling defensively, he could be in for another big night.
The Pelicans have also been experimenting with Zion at point guard, a move that could unlock more opportunities for him as a playmaker. With new addition Kelly Olynyk (+11 in 23 minutes against the Mavericks) spacing the floor, New Orleans is hoping this latest starting lineup can at least bring some competitive basketball to close out the season.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Zion Williamson vs. Spurs Frontcourt – Without Wembanyama protecting the paint, Zion should be able to dominate inside. San Antonio will likely throw multiple defenders at him, but that hasn’t stopped him before.
- De’Aaron Fox vs. Pelicans Defense – Fox’s speed will test New Orleans’ transition defense, which has been abysmal all year. If he gets downhill, it could be a long night.
- Trey Murphy III vs. Spurs Perimeter Defense – Murphy’s shooting could be the X-factor. If he stays hot, the Pelicans will have a real chance to grab a win.
The Bottom Line
Both teams are struggling, but the Spurs are still fighting for something. The Pelicans? They’re just looking for signs of life. With Wemby out, this is a winnable game for New Orleans—but given how this season has gone, nothing is guaranteed.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| San Antonio Spurs | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Chris Paul | G – CJ McCollum |
| G – De’Aaron Fox | G – Trey Murphy |
| F – Devin Vassell | F – Zion Williamson |
| F – Harrison Barnes | F – Kelly Olynyk |
| C – Bismack Biyombo | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama (deep vein thrombosis) is OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Boston (left ankle sprain), Herb Jones (right shoulder torn rotator cuff), and Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (13-43) vs San Antonio Spurs (24-30)
Season Series:
- Dec. 8: Spurs def. Pelicans, 121-116
- Feb. 23: Pelicans vs. Spurs
- Feb. 25: Pelicans vs. Spurs
- Mar. 15: Pelicans at Spurs
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 27-55 all-time against the San Antonio Spurs and have lost two in a row to them after winning seven straight in the series.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Feb. 23, 6:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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