It’s time for San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans

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After the relatively drama-free win over the Utah Jazz on Friday, today’s game is likely to be as dramatic as a high school presentation of the Scottish play. This game is a virtual elimination game for both teams, as it would be almost impossible for the losing team to make it to the 8th or 9th spot. The winner would also face a difficult road, but at least they’d still have a shot, instead of wandering the final few games in the bubble like the ghost of Banquo in the above-mentioned play with a Scottish setting.

The Pelicans have underperformed in the bubble, but it’s mostly due to an understandable effort to preserve the long-term health of the future of the franchise, Zion Williamson, by limiting his minutes. One can only hope he doesn’t play big minutes this game, because he’s just the kind of player that makes trouble for San Antonio’s limited supply of big men. Jakob Poeltl performed well against Utah’s backup bigs, and today he’s going to try and keep it going against the Pels. Derrick White has been incredible in the bubble, and Dejounte Murray is showing some signs of improvement, so today would be a great time for a breakout game. The Spurs need wins to stay in contention for the final playoff spot, and today is critical!

Updated Spurs playoff scenarios (NOTE-I don’t guarantee the accuracy of all this):

• Spurs win all 3 remaining games, Grizzlies lose 3, both Suns and Blazers lose one or more game: Spurs are in as the 8th seed, pending a play-in. (NOTE: this is an extremely unlikely scenario.)
• Spurs win all 3 remaining games, Grizzlies lose 3, Either Suns and Blazers lose a game. Spurs are in 9th, and play-in against either Suns or Blazers.
• Spurs win 3, Grizzlies win at least one game, BOTH Suns and Blazers lose a game. Spurs are in 9th, and play-in against the Grizzlies. (This is the most plausible scenario, but not all that likely)
• There are some scenarios where the Spurs go 2-1 and still make the playoffs, but that involves just about every team in contention losing 2 or more games. That seems pretty unlikely. Just win, baby. If the Spurs lose today, going to the playoffs is about as likely as winning the lottery.

One final word:

Go Spurs GOOOOOO!!

San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans
August 9, 2020 | 2:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: ABC, FSSW
RADIO: WOAI

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