The San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans will clash again on Monday. San Antonio can move up to 3-0 against New Orleans and clinch the season series with another win. Victor Wembanyama (calf) remains out, but Stephon Castle (hip) has been upgraded to questionable after a multi-week absence.The Pelicans are just as hobbled as the Spurs. New Orleans has Jordan Poole (quad), Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Zion Williamson (groin) on the inactive list. The Pelicans hope to keep the series alive and snap a six-game losing slump when they host De’Aaron Fox and Co.San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips and PredictionMoneyline: Spurs (-395) vs. Pelicans (+310)Odds: Spurs (-8.5 -110) vs. Pelicans (+8.5 -110)Total (O/U): Spurs (o236.5 -110) vs. Pelicans (u236.5 -110)Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans previewThe Spurs could receive a big boost if Stephon Castle is cleared to return. San Antonio has done well without him and Wemby, but the emerging star’s playmaking, rim pressure and defense have been sorely missed.Luke Kornet, who sat out the Spurs’ 130-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers two nights ago, could also be back.Whether Castle and Kornet are available or not, the Spurs have to bring their energy and grit, which were absent in Cleveland. De’Aaron Fox is playing like an All-Star again, but Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie must step up again.Ball and man movement will be important for the Pelicans, particularly since they are missing key players. Their offense often stagnates, and without Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, players who thrive in 1-on-1 matchups, the Pelicans struggle. They are averaging 23.9 assists per game, the third worst in the NBA.The Pelicans, 24th in the league with 16.3 fastbreak points allowed per game, have to be wary of San Antonio’s speedy guards, led by Fox.San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineupSpursPG: De’Aaron Fox | SG: Devin Vassell | SF: Julian Champagnie | PF: Harrison Barnes | C: Luke KornetPelicansPG: Jeremiah Fears | PG: Bryce McGowens | SF: Saddiq Bey | SF: Trey Murphy III | C: Derik QueenSan Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans betting tipsPelicans rookie Derik Queen is emerging as a focal point of the team on both ends. He is averaging 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game in December. Expect the big man to fill up the stat without Wembanyama patrolling the paint. Queen likely edges past his 24.5 (O/U) combined points, rebounds and assists props.Whether Stephon Castle returns or not, De’Aaron Fox has a big role to play for the Spurs. The cat-quick guard, averaging 28.3 ppg this month, likely blows past his 23.5 (O/U) points prop.San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans predictionThe San Antonio Spurs have had the New Orleans Pelicans’ number. Castle, reportedly expected to return, should boost the Spurs. The Pelicans are resilient, but the visitors are likely to win the season series. Expect the home team to cover the +8.5 spread, though.