Pelicans Defeat Spurs in Upset Victory
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Frost Bank Center
New Orleans Pelicans 104, San Antonio Spurs 95, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs?
New Orleans Pelicans beat San Antonio Spurs 104-95 at Frost Bank Center on January 25, 2026.
Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs?
San Antonio Spurs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -535 (about 84% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the New Orleans Pelicans triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a final score of 104-95 at the Frost Bank Center. This victory marks a significant moment for the Pelicans, who have struggled throughout the season with a record of 12-36 compared to the Spurs' 31-15. The win also highlights the Pelicans' recent improvement, as they managed to break a streak of inconsistent performances, winning their last game against the Memphis Grizzlies just two days prior.
The Spurs entered the contest with a solid home record of 31-15 and had been performing well recently, going 6-4 in their last ten games. They had averaged 111.3 points scored while allowing 106.9 points, showcasing their defensive capabilities. However, the Spurs were hampered by injuries, with David Jones Garcia listed as day-to-day due to an ankle issue and Jayden Quaintance ruled out with a knee injury. This may have impacted their performance against a Pelicans team that has been trying to find its footing.
On the other hand, the Pelicans, despite their poor record, have shown flashes of potential. In their last ten games, they have a record of 3-7, with an average of 114.7 points scored and 118.3 points allowed. Their recent win against the Grizzlies, where they scored 133 points, demonstrated their offensive capabilities, which they carried into this matchup against the Spurs. The Pelicans were also dealing with injuries, with Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens both listed as day-to-day, but they managed to rally together for this crucial win.
Historically, the Spurs have had the upper hand in their series against the Pelicans, winning three out of four meetings this season prior to this game. The last three matchups had seen the Spurs emerge victorious, including a close 135-132 win just a month earlier. However, the Pelicans' victory in this latest encounter adds a new chapter to their rivalry, narrowing the series record to 3-2 in favor of the Spurs.
Betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated a strong expectation for the Spurs to win, with a spread of -11.5 and a total set at 239.5. The moneyline for the Spurs was -535, while the Pelicans were at +400, reflecting the perceived disparity in team strength. The conditions of the game were favorable for both teams, with no significant weather-related issues impacting play, as it was held indoors.
As the game unfolded, the fourth quarter proved pivotal for the Pelicans. Trey Murphy III made a series of crucial shots, including a 23-foot three-point step back jumper, which helped extend their lead. The Pelicans capitalized on their opportunities, with Yves Missi also contributing with a driving dunk and Zion Williamson adding free throws to seal the victory. The Spurs, despite a late push, could not overcome the deficit, with Julian Champagnie scoring a two-point shot that only narrowed the gap temporarily.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NBA, where even teams with poor records can pull off significant upsets. For viewers, the standout performances from players like Murphy III and Williamson showcased the potential within the Pelicans roster, while the Spurs will need to regroup and address their injury concerns moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SA -11.5 | 239.5 o -112 / u -108 | New Orleans Pelicans +400 · San Antonio Spurs -535 |
Injury report
- David Jones GarciaDay-To-DayAnkleSan Antonio Spurs
- Jayden QuaintanceOutKneeSan Antonio Spurs
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
Leaders
- PointsVictor Wembanyama16San Antonio Spurs
- AssistsDe'Aaron Fox7San Antonio Spurs
- ReboundsVictor Wembanyama16San Antonio Spurs
- PointsSaddiq Bey24New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsTrey Murphy III9New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsYves Missi14New Orleans Pelicans
Recent form
San Antonio Spurs
Last 10: 6-4Streak W1111.3 scored · 106.9 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W126-109at Utah JazzJan 23
- L106-111at Houston RocketsJan 21
- W123-110vs Utah JazzJan 19
- W126-123vs Minnesota TimberwolvesJan 18
- W119-101vs Milwaukee BucksJan 16
- L98-119at Oklahoma City ThunderJan 14
- L103-104at Minnesota TimberwolvesJan 12
- W100-95at Boston CelticsJan 11
- W107-91vs Los Angeles LakersJan 8
- L105-106at Memphis GrizzliesJan 7
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 3-7Streak W1114.7 scored · 118.3 allowed per game2-4 away
- W133-127at Memphis GrizzliesJan 24
- L104-112vs Detroit PistonsJan 22
- L110-119at Houston RocketsJan 19
- L119-127at Indiana PacersJan 17
- W116-113vs Brooklyn NetsJan 15
- L116-122vs Denver NuggetsJan 14
- L118-128at Orlando MagicJan 11
- W128-107at Washington WizardsJan 10
- L100-117at Atlanta HawksJan 8
- L103-111vs Los Angeles LakersJan 7
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | New Orleans Pelicans | San Antonio Spurs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 41-102 | 32-81 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 9-34 | 12-44 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 27 |
| Free throws | 13-17 | 19-32 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 58 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 19 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 39 | 36 |
| Assists | 23 | 22 |
| Steals | 3 | 2 |
| Blocks | 5 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 56 | 32 |
| Fouls | 23 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 61 | 31 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter72-56Carter Bryant makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dylan Harper assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-56Herbert Jones makes finger roll layup
- 3rd Quarter74-58Keldon Johnson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter76-58Derik Queen makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-58Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-58Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-61Carter Bryant makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dylan Harper assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-61Karlo Matkovic makes tip in dunk
- 3rd Quarter80-63Luke Kornet makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter82-63Jeremiah Fears makes 13-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter82-66Devin Vassell makes 23-foot three point jumper (De'Aaron Fox assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-68De'Aaron Fox makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter82-70Keldon Johnson makes running layup (Julian Champagnie assists)
- 4th Quarter82-73Victor Wembanyama makes 26-foot three point jumper (De'Aaron Fox assists)
- 4th Quarter82-75Dylan Harper makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-76Dylan Harper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter82-79Keldon Johnson makes 24-foot running jump shot (De'Aaron Fox assists)
- 4th Quarter84-79Zion Williamson makes dunk (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter84-82Victor Wembanyama makes 26-foot three pointer (De'Aaron Fox assists)
- 4th Quarter85-82Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-85De'Aaron Fox makes 25-foot three point jumper (Keldon Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter87-85Derik Queen makes dunk
- 4th Quarter87-86Julian Champagnie makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter87-87De'Aaron Fox makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-88Julian Champagnie makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter87-90Devin Vassell makes 12-foot jumper (Harrison Barnes assists)
- 4th Quarter87-92Julian Champagnie makes dunk (Devin Vassell assists)
- 4th Quarter89-92Saddiq Bey makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-93Stephon Castle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-93Yves Missi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-93Yves Missi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-93Zion Williamson makes 1-foot running dunk (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter96-93Trey Murphy III makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 4th Quarter98-93Trey Murphy III makes 7-foot pullup jump shot (Yves Missi assists)
- 4th Quarter100-93Yves Missi makes driving dunk (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter101-93Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-93Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-95Julian Champagnie makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter103-95Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-95Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours San Antonio Spurs, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.
Venue
- Frost Bank CenterSan Antonio, TX
- Attendance18363
- OfficialsMarat Kogut, Mitchell Ervin, Evan Scott
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