San Antonio vs. New Orleans. NBA Match Prediction
On December 9, San Antonio hosts New Orleans as part of the NBA regular championship. Both teams are in a difficult situation and are fighting to regain their positions. Who will be stronger in this confrontation, and will the Spurs be able to rehabilitate themselves before their fans? - read our forecast

Command Analysis

San Antonio Spurs

Current form
The Spurs are still searching for their game after a three-game losing streak. The team lost to Phoenix (93-104), Chicago (124-139) and Sacramento (113-140), which indicates serious problems both on defense and offense. The loss of Vembanyama due to injury also weakened the roster and negatively affected the results.
Gregg Popovich coaching staff is trying to adapt tactics, but so far it hasn't produced consistent results. At home, San Antonio is looking to break its losing streak, and the game against New Orleans looks like a great opportunity to do so.
Disqualifications and injuries
Tre Jones and Victor Wembanyama will not play in the next match due to injuries.
Interesting facts for betting
Spurs have won only one of their last five matches.
Estimated lineup: Champagne - Barnes, Collins - Castle, Paul.

New Orleans Pelicans

Current form
The Pelicans are also struggling, occupying the last place in the Western Conference. After a series of defeats, the team managed to sensationally beat Phoenix (126:124), which was a pleasant surprise for fans. Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum played key roles in this victory, demonstrating a high level of play, but then another setback followed in the match against Oklahoma (109:119).
Injuries to key players limit the coaching staff options. The lack of stability in defense and attack creates additional difficulties. The meeting with San Antonio will be a new test, but the success in the recent match against the Suns gives hope for a positive result.
Disqualifications and injuries
Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins and Zion Williamson will not play in the next game due to health issues.
Interesting facts for betting
The Pelicans have gone 11 games without a win on the road.
Probable lineup: Jones - Ingram, Miss - McCollum, Murray.
Trends
Bet 1st quarter. New Orleans win
In 3 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings, the Pelicans have won in the first quarter.
2.20Bet 1st quarter: total under 56 points
Only 2 of the last 5 head-to-head games have seen more than 56 points scored in the first quarter.
1.90Tip and bets
New Orleans finally snapped its losing streak, which is encouraging, but managed to lose again in the last game. However, roster issues and lack of consistency still affect the game.
San Antonio is in decline, but the motivation to perform well in front of their fans and try to improve their position in the table should play a major role. We expect the hosts to take advantage of their opponent problems and show a more aggressive game, but it is unlikely that they will be able to crush their opponent.
Our prediction is a victory for New Orleans with a handicap of (+6) points for 1.72
Bet on total
Both teams need a win. San Antonio is planning to return to the top ten again, and New Orleans is not averse to leaving the last line of the West. We expect the opponents to turn on the speed and actively play in attack.
Forecast - total over 223.5 points for 1.73
Bet on statistics
Despite recent setbacks, Spurs have shown their ability to attack sharply. The support of the stands and the desire to rehabilitate themselves should be decisive factors, and the hosts may well break their individual total.
Prediction - San Antonio individual total over 115.5 points for 1.93