Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will look to bounce back (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will attempt to get back on the winning track after losing their first game of the season. The Spurs, 5-1, lost to the Phoenix Suns by a final score of 104-101. Tonight, San Antonio plays the Lakers in Los Angeles.
The Lakers enter this game with a record of 6-2. In the Western Conference, only the Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-0) have a better record. Considering that LeBron James hasn’t even played this season, L.A. has to be pleased with how they’ve started their season.
Los Angeles is led in scoring by Luka Doncic, who is averaging 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists. Austin Reaves is also having a great season (31.1 points per game, 9.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds) but he will miss tonight’s game with an injury.
Against the Suns, the Spurs never could get it going. Victor Wembanyama struggled but San Antonio did get good minutes out of a few players including Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson and Cater Bryant (see the Final Grades).
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The injury situation for the Spurs isn’t getting a whole lot better. De’Aaron Fox is still sidelined with a hamstring injury. Luke Kornet will miss another game with a sprained ankle. Rookie phenom Dylan Harper is out after suffering a calf strain against the Suns.
There is some slight good news, though. The Spurs now have three players listed as questionable: Jeremy Sochan, Kelly Olynyk and Lindy Waters III. None of these three players have participated in a game this season. Sochan has been out with a wrist injury, while Olynyk is recovering from heel surgery and Waters from eye surgery.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Even if Sochan, Olynyk or Waters is able to return against the Lakers, head coach Mitch Johnson is very unlikely to change his starting lineup. Expect a starting five of Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie.
The bench unit will lack depth beyond Keldon Johnson due to the absence of Dylan Harper. For that reason, if Sochan, Olynyk or Waters return, they could see immediate minutes in the rotation.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Lakers
The Lakers are favored by 1.5 points and the over/under is 227.5 points. While the Spurs are coming off of a loss, it’d be foolish to dismiss their hot start to the season. Expect San Antonio to bounce back and get a win on the road.