Spurs Edge Pelicans in Close Contest
Monday, December 8, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
San Antonio Spurs 135, New Orleans Pelicans 132, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans?
San Antonio Spurs beat New Orleans Pelicans 135-132 at Smoothie King Center on December 8, 2025.
Who was favored in San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans?
San Antonio Spurs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -380 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the San Antonio Spurs narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 135-132 at the Smoothie King Center on December 9, 2025. This victory extends the Spurs' dominance in the series, as they now lead 4-0 against the Pelicans this season. The game showcased the Spurs' resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they managed to secure the win despite a strong effort from the Pelicans.
The Pelicans have struggled significantly this season, holding a home record of 3-22 and a recent record of 1-9 over their last ten games. They are currently on a six-game losing streak, averaging 117.8 points scored while allowing 125.1 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games have been particularly challenging, with an average of 115.2 points scored and 126.0 points allowed. In contrast, the Spurs have performed well, boasting an away record of 16-7 and a recent 7-3 record over their last ten games, although they are coming off a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The game was marked by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the fourth quarter, Trey Murphy III made a crucial 25-foot three-point jumper, bringing the Pelicans within one point at 130-129. However, the Spurs responded with key plays from De'Aaron Fox and Derik Queen, who made pivotal shots to maintain their lead. Fox's free throws in the closing moments sealed the victory for San Antonio.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans were without Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens, both listed as day-to-day, while the Spurs had David Jones Garcia also day-to-day due to an ankle issue, and Jayden Quaintance was ruled out with a knee injury. These absences may have influenced the teams' performances, particularly for the Pelicans, who have struggled to find consistency in their lineup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Spurs favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 238.5. The odds reflected the Spurs' stronger season performance compared to the Pelicans, who have faced difficulties throughout the year. The final score of 135-132 fell just short of the total points, indicating a competitive matchup that kept spectators engaged until the final buzzer.
Overall, this game highlighted the ongoing challenges for the Pelicans as they continue to seek a way to turn their season around, while the Spurs look to build on their success and maintain their position in the standings.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SA -8.5 | 238.5 o -105 / u -115 | San Antonio Spurs -380 · New Orleans Pelicans +300 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- David Jones GarciaDay-To-DayAnkleSan Antonio Spurs
- Jayden QuaintanceOutKneeSan Antonio Spurs
Leaders
- PointsDerik Queen33New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsDerik Queen10New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsDerik Queen10New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsHarrison Barnes24San Antonio Spurs
- AssistsDe'Aaron Fox7San Antonio Spurs
- ReboundsLuke Kornet8San Antonio Spurs
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 1-9Streak L6117.8 scored · 125.1 allowed per game1-5 at home
- L101-119at Brooklyn NetsDec 6
- L116-125vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 5
- L142-149vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 3
- L121-133at Los Angeles LakersDec 1
- L96-104at Golden State WarriorsNov 30
- L128-133vs Memphis GrizzliesNov 27
- W143-130vs Chicago BullsNov 25
- L98-115vs Atlanta HawksNov 23
- L115-118at Dallas MavericksNov 22
- L118-125vs Denver NuggetsNov 20
San Antonio Spurs
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1119.4 scored · 117.2 allowed per game3-3 away
- L117-130at Cleveland CavaliersDec 6
- W114-112at Orlando MagicDec 4
- W126-119vs Memphis GrizzliesDec 3
- L112-125at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 1
- W139-136at Denver NuggetsNov 29
- W115-102at Portland Trail BlazersNov 27
- L102-111at Phoenix SunsNov 24
- W135-126vs Atlanta HawksNov 21
- W111-101vs Memphis GrizzliesNov 19
- W123-110vs Sacramento KingsNov 16
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 | San Antonio Spurs | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 49-98 | 51-88 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 17-36 | 7-26 |
| Three-point % | 47 | 27 |
| Free throws | 20-25 | 23-26 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 29 |
| Assists | 29 | 35 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 0 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 22 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 84 |
| Fouls | 19 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 25 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 75 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter100-100Stephon Castle makes dunk
- 3rd Quarter100-101Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter100-102Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-104Herbert Jones makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter102-104Luke Kornet makes layup (Devin Vassell assists)
- 4th Quarter102-106Herbert Jones makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-106De'Aaron Fox makes 6-foot two point shot (Julian Champagnie assists)
- 4th Quarter107-106Julian Champagnie makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dylan Harper assists)
- 4th Quarter107-107Herbert Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-108Herbert Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-109Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-109Julian Champagnie makes 27-foot three point jumper (Dylan Harper assists)
- 4th Quarter111-109Julian Champagnie makes free throw flagrant 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter112-109Stephon Castle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-109Stephon Castle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-109Keldon Johnson makes two point shot (Stephon Castle assists)
- 4th Quarter115-110Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-110Dylan Harper makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter117-112Trey Murphy III makes dunk (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter120-112Kelly Olynyk makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dylan Harper assists)
- 4th Quarter120-115Bryce McGowens makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter123-115Keldon Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Julian Champagnie assists)
- 4th Quarter123-117Derik Queen makes two point shot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter124-117Kelly Olynyk makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-117Dylan Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-119Trey Murphy III makes 20-foot jumper (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter127-119Dylan Harper makes layup
- 4th Quarter127-120Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-121Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-122Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-123Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter129-123Dylan Harper makes driving layup (De'Aaron Fox assists)
- 4th Quarter129-125Derik Queen makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter129-127Trey Murphy III makes dunk (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter129-130Trey Murphy III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 4th Quarter131-130De'Aaron Fox makes 18-foot two point shot (Julian Champagnie assists)
- 4th Quarter131-132Derik Queen makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter133-132Dylan Harper makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter134-132De'Aaron Fox makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter135-132De'Aaron Fox makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours San Antonio Spurs.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance15783
- OfficialsScott Foster, Sean Corbin, Pat O'Connell
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These two, other days
- Pelicans Defeat Spurs in Upset VictoryJan 25, 2026
- Spurs Defeat Pelicans 126-119 in Thrilling EncounterNov 8, 2025
- Spurs Edge Pelicans in Overtime ThrillerOct 24, 2025