Stephon Castle will try to elevate the Spurs to 3-0 (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will play their first home game of the season on Sunday afternoon versus the Brooklyn Nets. This will be a battle between the undefeated Spurs (2-0) and the winless Nets (0-2).
In San Antonio’s latest victory, Victor Wembanyama led the way with 29 points, 11 rebounds, nine blocks and two assists in 32 minutes of action. He was 13-for-23 from the field before fouling out in overtime. Devin Vassell hit a big shot in overtime shortly after Wembanyama fouled out to propel the Spurs to the 120-116 victory (see the Grades).
The Nets lost their season opener in Charlotte against the Hornets by a final count of 136-117. Brooklyn then lost at home versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, 131-124.
This will be the first of a pair of home games for the Spurs, who will host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Sadly, the injury news has gotten worse for the Spurs. For the third straight game, San Antonio will be without De’Aaron Fox (hamstring strain), Jeremy Sochan (wrist sprain), Kelly Olynyk (left heel surgery) and Lindy Waters III (eye surgery).
Joining those four players on the injury list is Luke Kornet. After playing a key role against the Pelicans, Kornet will miss the game against the Nets with a sprained left ankle. It’s not yet known how much time the team’s backup center will miss.
Versus New Orleans, Kornet finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and a block in 35 minutes.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The starting lineup is very unlikely to change for head coach Mitch Johnson. He’ll go with Stephon Castle at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Harrison Barnes at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center.
Off the bench, Dylan Harper will be the first guard and Keldon Johnson will be the first forward. Who will fill in for Kornet? The coaching staff could elevate Bismack Biyombo to the rotation. Another option is giving rookie Carter Bryant more minutes and playing smaller lineups.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Nets
The Spurs are favored by 11.5 points and the over/under is 227.5 points. Right now, it’s impossible to bet against the Spurs. For that reason, put your money on San Antonio to win by 12 or more points. The Spurs have been red hot since the beginning of preseason and that should continue in the team’s first regular season contest at home.