The San Antonio Spurs just produced their worst winning percentage (.415) since Gregg Popovich took over as head coach in the 1996-97 season. Still, they find themselves in a position to possibly punch their ticket into the 2022 NBA playoffs in what could be Popovich’s final campaign. First, they’ll have to get past the New Orleans Pelicans in Wednesday night’s 9 vs. 10 West play-in game. The winner moves on to face the Los Angeles Clippers Friday night for the No. 8 seed. The loser will begin their long offseason. With one quarter left to play, it appears as though the Spurs might be that team that will be starting their offseason earlier than hoped as the Pelicans own a sizable lead entering the final frame.
The Pelicans overcame a brutal 3-16 start to the season, going 33-30 the rest of the way. They managed this feat despite Zion Williamson not having played a single game due to a foot injury. Fueling their turnaround was a dramatic improvement on both sides of the ball. In fact, since trading for McCollum, they’ve boasted the league’s ninth-best offense. They face a Spurs team that’s had success against them, winning three of their four meetings, including both in New Orleans.
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