Zach Collins lost some money before tonight’s game (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs (11-12) will try to get back to .500 tonight when they host the lowly New Orleans Pelicans (5-19). The Spurs have lost three straight games, the last two without the services of Victor Wembanyama (back). The Pelicans have lost 10 of their last 11 contests.
With Wembanyama on the sidelines, San Antonio has allowed 279 points over their last two games. At one point this season, the Spurs were one of the better defensive teams in the league. But without their towering Frenchman, stopping the other team from scoring has suddenly become a major issue.
New Orleans has the worst record in the Western Conference. The only team with a worse record in the entire NBA is the Washington Wizards, who are 3-18 on the season.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The great news for the Silver and Black is that Victor Wembanyama is nearing a return. He’s officially listed as questionable for tonight’s contest against the Pelicans but the word is he’s expected to play unless he suffers a setback.
Tre Jones remains out with a shoulder sprain. He is expected to miss multiple weeks with that injury.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
If Victor Wembanyama is able to play, expect acting head coach Mitch Johnson to start him at center, Harrison Barnes at power forward, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Stephon Castle at shooting guard and Chris Paul at point guard. If Wembanyama sits, expect either Zach Collins or Jeremy Sochan to start at center.
Champagnie is coming off a career-high scoring affair. He had 30 points against the Sacramento Kings and nailed 6-of-12 three-point attempts.
Zach Collins Fined
Collins had an adventurous outing versus the Kings. After picking up his third foul in the first half, he had a few choice words for one of the referees. Within seconds, the center was hit with a pair of technical fouls and was ejected from the ballgame. Collins reacted to the ejection by pointing one of his middle fingers at the ref.
After that moment went viral, the NBA decided to fine Collins $35,000 for an obscene gesture.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Pelicans
The Spurs are favored by seven points and the over/under is 224 points. The smart money is the Spurs winning by eight or more points. With Victor Wembanyama, that’s a no-brainer bet. Even without Wembanyama, the Pelicans don’t seem to interested in winning right now and San Antonio should be able to take care of business at home.