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.

2024-25 season series: Tied 2-2

San Antonio opened its season Wednesday with a commanding 125-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks, covering as a 3-point road underdog with the Under (224.5) hitting. F Victor Wembanyama led all scorers with 40 points and grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds. The Spurs thwarted the NBA debut of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who had 10 points, while the No. 2 overall pick G Dylan Harper had 15 points for the Spurs in the win.

New Orleans dropped its season opener 128-122 Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, failing to cover as a 4-point road underdog with the Over (236) hitting. F Zion Williamson had a team-high 27 points while 6 Pelicans players had at least 13 points, including G Jordan Poole, who had 17 in his Pelicans debut.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Expert MLB daily picks: Unique MLB betting insights only at USA TODAYSpurs at Pelicans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Spurs -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Pelicans +155 (bet $100 to win $155)Against the spread (ATS): Spurs -4.5 (-110) | Pelicans +4.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Spurs at Pelicans key injuries

Spurs

G De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) outF Kelly Olynyk (heel) outF Jeremy Sochan (wrist) outF Lindy Waters III (eye) out

Pelicans

F Kevon Looney (knee) outF Karlo Matkovic (back) questionableC Yves Missi (ankle) questionableG Dejounte Murray (achilles) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Spurs at Pelicans picks and predictionsPrediction

Spurs 123, Pelicans 117

PASS.

There is minimal value on the Spurs (-190) to win on Friday.

LEAN SPURS -4.5 (-110).

All eyes in the NBA are on Wembanyama after his highlight-reel opening performance. Despite not having Fox, the Spurs showcased their array of options around the 7-foot-4 phenom. Reigning Rookie of the Year G Stephon Castle, who scored 22 on Wednesday, seems to be more than capable of stepping up in Fox’s absence, which will give opposing teams a lot of trouble.

The Pelicans may give the Spurs more of a run for their money than the Mavericks did. With all Pelicans players who saw the court on Wednesday scoring, the team has a hodgepodge of players who can find their way to the hoop. While their defense needs some work, their offensive ability makes them a threat to the spread.

BET OVER 233.5 (-105).

With Wembanyama down low, he will certainly affect Williamson, but with both teams able to score in a variety of ways, the Over has great value.

The Spurs scored 125 in their opener, while the Pelicans posted 122. Expect a fast-paced game that could be dictated by the ability to convert open opportunities.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NBA coverage:

HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire

Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.