New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) reacts after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)

Defensive lapses hurt Boston in its first two games. The Celtics gave up 42 points in the fourth quarter of a season-opening 117-116 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Two nights later, the Knicks outscored them, 42-14, in the second quarter of a 105-95 loss.

The San Antonio Spurs (1-0) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (0-1) Friday evening. Tip from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Spurs vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Preview the San Antonio Spurs' NBA matchup with New Orleans, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

Jordan Poole has gotten off to a steady start in his first deason with the New Orleans Pelicans. While New Orleans has dropped the first two games of the season

The Spurs' ability to beat the Pelicans after Victor Wembanyama fouled out speaks volumes about his upgraded supporting cast