San Antonio may not keep its streak of 20-plus playoff appearances alive this season, but the Spurs likely will play a prominent role in keeping New Orleans from getting there. Seven months after spoiling Zion Williamson’s NBA debut by prevailing in the Smoothie King Center, the Spurs handed the Pelicans a back-breaking loss Sunday in their pursuit of a play-in berth.
New Orleans is now one Portland win away from being mathematically eliminated from contention for ninth place in the Western Conference. The Trail Blazers play both Sunday night and Tuesday afternoon, prior to the Pelicans facing the Kings on Tuesday.