Devin Vassell should make his preseason debut tonight (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will play their second of five preseason games tonight in Miami against the Heat. In their preseason opener, the Spurs were victorious by a final count of 119-88. The win came at home versus the Guangzhou Loong-Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.
In only 16 minutes of action, Victor Wembanyama wowed with nine points, ten rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots. He also didn’t miss a shot, finishing 3-for-3 from the field, 1-for-1 from beyond the three-point arc and 2-for-2 at the free throw line. Points-wise, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie and Luke Kornet led the way with 16 points (see the Grades).
The Heat will be looking for their first preseason win tonight. They’ve begun exhibition play with two straight losses. First, a 126-118 defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic. Most recently, Miami lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, 103-93.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Unfortunately, the Spurs have a banged up crew right now. De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) is out and is expected to miss at least the first couple regular season games. Dylan Harper (thumb surgery) is out but is expected to play at some point during the preseason. Stephon Castle (knee bruise) won’t play tonight and could miss the entire preseason. Jeremy Sochan (calf) is out and is considered day-to-day. Kelly Olynyk (heel) will remain sidelined, as will Jordan McLaughlin (hamstring).
The one glimmer of good news is that Devin Vassell is expected to play against the Heat. Vassell didn’t play against the Loong-Lions but the Spurs didn’t cite a specific injury.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Against Guangzhou, San Antonio started Lindy Waters III at point guard, Julian Champagnie at shooting guard, Keldon Johnson at small forward, Harrison Barnes at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center. With Vassell returning, expect him to be inserted into the starting five. He will most likely replace Waters, however head coach Mitch Johnson could opt to put Johnson back on the bench.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Heat
The Heat are favored by two points and the over/under is 219 points. The smart money is on the Heat to win by three or more points. Miami doesn’t want to go winless in preseason and the Spurs have enough injured players that it’ll be difficult to hang on late in a preseason affair.