Pelicans at Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are barely being challenged during most of their 10-game winning streak, taking the last seven by an average of 19.1 points. The New Orleans Pelicans are the next team due to walk into that buzz saw when they visit the Spurs on Monday. San Antonio had 11 players score at least eight points and did not have a starter log more than 21 minutes in a 126-96 triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.
The Pelicans last faced the Cavaliers as well, taking a 104-100 decision at home on Friday, and head into the battle with the Spurs with some momentum and a three-game winning streak. New Orleans overcame a 12-point deficit with less than five minutes left on Friday, and Ryan Anderson’s strong return from an injury added an extra dimension to the Anthony Davis-led frontcourt. The Pelicans are averaging 114.7 points in three games since Anderson’s return.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, FSN Southwest (San Antonio)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (6-6): Coach Monty Williams took a lot of positives away from Friday’s comeback and likes the look of the team with Anderson back in the mix. “We have some equity now,” he said. “We know we can come back. We know we can play in close games.” Davis is averaging 17.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 6.7 blocks in the last three games, sacrificing a little scoring for more defense as Anderson takes the pressure off on offense. “As long as we get the win, I’m fine,” Davis said. “If I have zero points and zero rebounds (I’m OK) as long as we get the win.”
ABOUT THE SPURS (12-1): San Antonio is lulling opponents to sleep with rapid ball movement and Tony Parker’s dribble penetration. “We try to approach every possession like the score is 0-0,” reserve forward Matt Bonner said. “So no matter what the lead is, or if we’re down, we try to get better and execute on offense.” The Spurs are second in the NBA in team field-goal percentage at 48.8 and are shooting 40.5 percent from beyond the arc after knocking down 16-of-24 from 3-point range in Saturday’s win.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Spurs have taken seven of the last eight in the series and five straight at home.
2. New Orleans G Jrue Holiday is shooting 57.8 percent from the field in the last four games after failing to hit half of his shots in any of the first eight contests.
3. San Antonio G Danny Green is 10-of-16 from 3-point range over the last four games.