Game Preview: Pelicans vs. Spurs

Losers of five straight, the Pelicans unfortunately have no time to lick their wounds this week. Even though they're at home, on the slate are three playoff-caliber teams with a combined record of 78-36. Up first, San Antonio and their best record in the Western Conference.

Back on Novermber 25th, the Spurs thrashed the Pels despite the fact our entire core was healthy and playing. Now we're supposed to face legitimate title contenders without Ryan Anderson, Jrue Holiday and possibly Tyreke Evans?

Sigh.

Sorry ya'll for the hopelessness, but it's been a hard start to 2014. Hasn't it? From playoff aspirations to "how to tank" articles, or listening to all the told-you-so's about the off-season trades, it's suddenly a downright depressing time. A myriad of injuries have brought back the pain of the last two seasons, but this time, it seems worse. Losing often was supposed to be a thing of the past. Now, we probably won't even have a nice draft pick in a vaunted draft to show for it.

Okay, /end rant.

If the Pelicans are going to turn their fortunes around, they are going to need to build off their last loss against Dallas. Anthony Davis will need to continue to wear a cape. Eric Gordon is going to have to score a bunch of points. A surprise contributor or two like Darius Miller must be present. The Pelicans are going to have to take and make shots from behind the 3-point line. And perhaps most importantly, the team is going to have to avoid any sustained runs by the Spurs.

Two things that fans can probably count on is Monty Williams won't let this team quit and Greg Popovich won't allow his team to sleep on a wounded opponent. Tiago Splitter and Danny Green are out, but Manu Ginobili is scheduled to return. So their "Big 3" should be intact, but it may not matter much either way. There isn't a team better in the NBA who makes use of their entire active roster. Even if they are without several key ingredients.

Geaux Pels!