NOP vs SAS Dream11 Prediction NBA Live New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs

NOP vs SAS Dream11: The Minnesota Timberwolves have gobbled up a Playoffs spot thanks to an incredible fourth-quarter run versus the Los Angeles Clippers. And now there are three teams fighting for just the solitary eighth spot that gives a team ticket to the First Round of the Playoffs. In this game, the New Orleans Pelicans will host the San Antonio Spurs and the winner will take on the Clippers in another elimination game.

The Pelicans have improved defensively and their offense has been much better ever since acquiring CJ McCollum. They had not been among elite teams all season long but their performances since March have been highly impressive. Can they fend off a highly disciplined Spurs team here?

The Spurs are surely going to be difficult to handle considering they are run by ace coach Greg Popovich. This has been a rather sparkling season for the Spurs considering they mostly had young players. However, teams are mostly remembered for how they finish, and can the Spurs make a big bang by beating the Pelicans?

Host: New Orleans Pelicans
Visitors: San Antonio Spurs
Match Timing: 14 April, @ 07:00 AM IST ( +05:30 UTC)
Venue: Smoothie King Center

NBA Projections, Stats & Analysis

Match-ups
The Pelicans lost to the Spurs 103:107 when the latter visited the Pels in a Regular Season game. The Spurs can take that confidence into this game and be honest, it isn’t like the higher-ranked Pelicans have been unbeatable at home. One of the major concerns for the Pels is the health of Brandon Ingram whose production has fallen a bit since his injury. However, he will be hungry to get going in this important elimination game at home.

The Pelicans can face trouble containing DeJounte Murray who is one of the most athletic players in the league and is an elite finisher, plus his shooting has improved. The trouble is that even if you put bodies on Murray, his passing abilities are as good as anyone in the league. This is why the job of Pelicans’ defense will be tough here and they will need to come up with a viable scheme. But yes, they have been much improved in that regard.

CJ McCollum will be the one handling the ball majorly for the Pels and what scheme will the Spurs apply? Pin him down on the perimeter and use double teams but then what will be the plan for Ingram? Who can be an effective triple-threat player while also using his size well? Apart from that, Jonas Valanciunas has been an effective Center too and the match-up against Jakob Poeltl will be huge as both players are physical.

New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
Playing at home, the Pelicans are going to have an advantage but the Spurs’ passing has been effective. The aces will be Murray for the Spurs, who can be the highest-yielding assists maker while McCollum can end up as the highest scorer. I do feel McCollum will come up with a big game here and my gut also indicates Valanciunas getting it done in the middle. Surely, the Pels can have trouble containing the top-class passing of the Spurs. Jaxson Hayes and Herbert Jones will have to turn up big as Spurs’ Vassell and Keldon Johnson have gotten it done.

My win percentage projection: Pelicans: 53%-Spurs: 47%
Top Points Scorer Prediction: CJ McCollum (32)
Top Assists maker Prediction: DeJounte Murray (10)
Final Scoreline Prediction: Pelicans: 112 Spurs: 109

New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs NBA Live, Team News and Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans News

Zion Williamson is OUT for the game and perhaps will not return this season.
Kira Lewis Jr. remains OUT for the season.
Brandon Ingram is PROBABLE for the game.

Pelicans Expected Starting Five

Athletic Forward: PF: Jaxson Hayes
Defensive Forward: F: Herbert Jones
Rebounding Specialist: C: Jonas Valanciunas
All-around Wing: SF: Brandon Ingram
Scoring Guard: G: CJ McCollum

BENCH: Devonte Graham, Gary Clarke, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, Willy Hernangomez, Trey Murphy III, Garrett Temple.

San Antonio Spurs Team News:

Romeo Langford is PROBABLE for the game
Doug McDermott is OUT for the game and is perhaps done for the season

Spurs Expected Starting Five
Perimeter Wing: SF: Keldon Johnson
Inside Presence: C: Jakob Poeltl
Leading Ball-Handler and Playmaker: PG: DeJounte Murray
Scoring Guard: G: Devin Vassell
Filler Guard: Joshua Primo
Bench: Zach Collins, Josh Richardson, Lonnie Walker IV, Devontae Cacock, Jock Landale, Tre Jones, Joe Wisekamp.

NBA Scores, Fantasy Basketball Top Picks

DeJounte Murray(SAS)
Murray led all Guards in triple-doubles and his athletic abilitiy has been crucial as a scorer, playmaker, and defender for the young Spurs squad. He will be a big factor and I predict a 24-30 points, 5-10 rebounds, 8-10 assists, and 2-3 steals range. He can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in theDream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 42-56

CJ McCollum(NOP)
CJ has improved the three-point shooting for the Pels and as the only Guard in the starting lineup, he has a major role to perform as a perimeter scorer, playmaker, and defender. I expect a 27-35 points and 5-7 assists range from him here.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 36-46

Keldon Johnson(SAS)
Wing Keldon has improved his scoring and his high shooting percentage from three-point range has been a godsend for the Spurs and his rebounding has been huge too. I expect a 17-22 points and 4-8 rebounds range from him.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-34

Brandon Ingram(NOP)
Ingram is one of the best all-around wings and his presence makes the Pelicans a better squad due to his versatile skill set, but in the end, the Pelicans will need a bunch of buckets from him. I expect 18-23 points, 5-8 rebounds, and 4-7 assists range from him here.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-42

Jakob Poeltl(SAS)
Jakob Poeltl has been one of the best screen-setters who can produce buckets from inside, provide elite rebounding, and play decent help defense. I expect 11-16 points, 8-12 rebounds, and 2-3 blocks range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-32

Jonas Valanciunas(NOP)
Valanciunas was available for more than 90% of games this Regular Season and he has been a strong rebounder, scorer, and is a physical presence overall. I expect 19-24 points, 10-15 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range from the Center.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-40

NOP vs SAS DREAM11 LINEUP BALANCERS

- Devin Vassell(SAS) lifted his game as a starter after struggling initially. I expect a 11-15 points range from him.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 14-20
- Herbert Jones(NOP) is the defensive enforcer at the SF position and he will be needed to dip in some points too. I expect a 9-13 points, 3-5 rebounds, and 2-3 steals range from him.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 14-26
- Jaxson Hayes(NOP) is an exciting dunker and he has given quality minutes this season. I expect a 8-12 points and 5-7 rebounds range from him.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 13-22
- Josh Richardson(SAS) has done a great job off the bench but will he get the usual minutes here? I expect a 9-16 points range from him
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 12-20
- Devonte GrahamGraham’s second half of the season has been way leaner compared to first half of the season. I expect a 8-12 points and 3-5 assists range.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 11-22
- Jose Alvarado(NOP) can not see many minutes here(I expect 8-10). I expect a 2-5 points range here.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 5-12
- Willy Hernangomez(NOP) may only get many minutes if Jonas is in foul trouble. I expect a 4-8 points and 4-6 rebounds range.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 7-12
- Joshua Prime(SAS)is the starter these days but he is not high-yielding as such. I expect a 5-9 points range from him.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 10-15
- Tre Jones(SAS) gave quality minutes when Murray was out but he may not see many minutes here. I see a 4-7 points and 3-5 assists range.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 6-10
- Larry Nance Jr.(NOP) can see some floor time but I only expect a 3-5 points and 3-5 rebounds range here.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 6-10
- Zach Collins(SAS) has been a rather pleasant presence off the bench as the Power Forward/Center. I expect a 7-12 point and 4-7 rebounds range.
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 14-24
- Lonnie Walker IV(SAS) has struggled a bit ever since his injury but he can be up for a big game here. I expect a 8-12 points range
  Expected Fantasy Points Range: 12-19

NOP vs SAS Dream11

(Most Recommended)
PG: J Alvarado, D Murray(SP)
SG: C McCollum(PP), L Walker
SF: D Vassell, K Johnson
PF: J Hayes
C: W Hernagomez

(Alternate)
PG: T Jones, D Murray(SP)
SG: C McCollum(PP), J Primo, J Richardson,
SF: B Ingram
PF: J Hayes
C: W Hernagomez

Where to watch NBA Live Score?

A tussle between two late bloomers as CJ McCollum’s lovely shooting taking on the athletic talent called DeJounte Murray? In a brilliant piece of news for the NBA fans in India, this match can be viewed on streaming platforms JIO TV and Voot. To learn the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the NBA.

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