The Pelicans first playoff game is Wednesday night. It may be game 82 on the schedule but the result is likely to sway if they reach the actual playoffs. Survive and advance is a college basketball term but apt for this contest against the Spurs.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Minnesota Timberwolves at the same time. If, somehow, OKC drops that game the Pelicans are in the playoffs. Since that seems extremely unlikely the Pelicans must defeat the defending champs to punch their ticket to the postseason.
Last time these teams played in the Smoothie King Center the Pels pulled out a 97-90 victory.