Spurs vs. Pelicans Picks and Prediction for Monday, December 8, 2025
Use Code WWWC San Antonio Spurs (15-7) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (3-21)
The NBA betting action goes on Monday, December 8, with the small three-game card, including the Southwest Division showdown at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA, so here’s our Spurs vs. Pelicans prediction.
San Antonio meets New Orleans for the third time this season, and the Spurs aim for their fourth straight victory over the Pelicans. The last time they met, San Antonio beat New Orleans 126-119 on November 8, but the Pelicans covered an 11-point spread in front of the home fans.
Let’s take a closer look at this Spurs vs. Pelicans prediction, one of our NBA picks for Monday night. The tip-off at Smoothie King Center is set at 8:00 PM ET.
The Spurs are still without Victor Wembanyama
The San Antonio Spurs (15-7; 12-10 ATS; 12-10 O/U) are coming off Friday’s 130-117 defeat at the Cleveland Cavaliers. After consecutive wins over the Memphis Grizzlies 126-119 and the Orlando Magic 114-112, the Spurs blew an eight-point lead from halftime at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
The Cavaliers outscored the Spurs 44-19 in the third quarter. San Antonio allowed a whopping 80 points in the paint while scoring just 44 in return. Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs with 28 points, while De’Aaron Fox posted a line of 25 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and four turnovers.
Since Victor Wembanyama (26.2 PPG, 12.9 RPG) hit the sidelines with a calf injury, the Spurs have gone 7-3 SU and ATS. Fox has done a great job during that stretch, averaging 26.8 points and 6.8 assists. Wembanyama is still without an official timetable to return.
The Spurs score 118.6 points per 100 possessions (8th in the NBA) and allow 114.2 points in return (12th). They are fourth in the league in 2-point percentage (57.5%) and 15th in 3-point percentage (36.1%). Only two teams have a better defensive rebound percentage than San Antonio (76.2%).
The Pelicans are free-falling
The New Orleans Pelicans (3-21; 13-10-1 ATS; 14-10 O/U) extended their losing streak to six games last Saturday, suffering a 119-101 defeat at the Brooklyn Nets. The Pelicans shot 45.1% from the field (9-for-25 from deep) and were outscored 66-54 in the paint.
Trey Murphy III dropped 23 points on the Nets, making 10 of his 17 shots from the field. Saddiq Bey accounted for 18 points and five rebounds, while rookie Jeremiah Fears had 14 points and five assists.
The Pelicans have only won one of their previous 16 games overall. They’ve gone 9-6-1 ATS during that awful stretch. New Orleans misses Zion Williamson (22.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG), while Jordan Poole (17.3 PPG) is doubtful for Monday’s game against San Antonio. Dejounte Murray should make his season debut after New Year’s.
New Orleans scores just 111.7 points per 100 possessions (26th in the NBA) and surrenders a staggering 122.6 points in return (29th). The Pelicans make 51.0% of their 2-pointers (29th) and 34.9% of their 3-pointers (21st).
Spurs vs. Pelicans Pick
Spread Pick for Spurs vs. Pelicans
- San Antonio Spurs -9 (4 units)
The Spurs love to attack the rim, and I expect them to torture the Pelicans, whose defense is dead last in the league in opposing 2-point percentage. The Pels’ D has been horrendous thus far, and their offense leaves a lot to be desired, so I’m backing the Spurs to win and cover.
In Wembanyama’s absence, the Spurs have been playing above all expectations. They also miss Stephon Castle (17.3 PPG, 7.5 APG), but it seems that this San Antonio team is deep enough to overcome the absence of two very important players.
Over/Under Pick for Spurs vs. Pelicans
- Over 236 (4 units)
Both teams are in the middle of the pack when it comes to pace, but I expect the Spurs to push the ball in transition whenever they can in this matchup. As I noted, the Pelicans are one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Their transition defense is pretty bad, and the Spurs will look to exploit it whenever possible.
The Spurs love to attack the paint and get to the foul line as much as possible. They are ninth in the NBA in free-throw rate (.295). The Spurs will penetrate at will and could easily surpass a 120-point mark against the Pelicans, who have allowed 125 or more points in five of their last seven games.
The over is 4-1 in the Spurs’ previous five games overall, and it is 5-2 in the Pelicans’ last seven.
Never Tried Winners and Whiners? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code DOLLAR
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
- Check out more NBA predictions
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
