For whom does the season end?
The second play-in game in the West will be between the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs on 14.04.2022.
The winner will then play the loser of the match between the Timberwolves and Clippers, in order to punch their ticket for the play-offs with a possible further success.
Since last night, the opponent in the shape of the LA franchise has already been determined. For the loser of the upcoming game, the season is once again over.
New Orleans Pelicans – Statistics & current form
NOLA has been waiting since 2018 to make another appearance in the postseason. The fact that there is now even the chance still was not necessarily expected, as with Zion Williamson the best player on the squad could not play a single game this season due to injury.
The basketball players from the “Big Easy” are now also worried about Brandon Ingram. The second best scorer is suffering from an injury and might have to miss the game against the Spurs. Hopes are therefore currently pinned on CJ McCollum.
The shooting guard only joined the Louisiana franchise during the course of the season, but he has hit the ground running: averaging 24.3 points per game, he is the best scorer for Head Coach Willie Green’s squad.
San Antonio Spurs – Statistics & current form
The Spurs were regulars in the postseason for over two decades, but that streak snapped in 2020 and last year was also not enough for the playoffs from the Texans’ perspective.
In the upcoming game, head coach Gregg Popovich, who as of this season has the most wins as a coach during the regular season in NBA history, will specifically rely on Dejounte Murray.
The point guard missed five games towards the end of the season but returned to the squad for the final game against Dallas. Nothing stands in the way of this year’s All-Star and second-place finisher for most triple-doubles playing against the Pels.
New Orleans Pelicans – San Antonio Spurs Tip
For the duel between the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs, the tip on more than 40.5 points by Dejounte Murray on the side of the visitors seems promising.
The point guard is looking back on his best season in the NBA so far and will be particularly motivated in this deciding game. In addition, Murray will be well rested, as he has only played one game in April so far.
His exceptional strength as a two-way player is further illustrated by the fact that only reigning MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has posted more triple-doubles in points, boards and assists this season.
