Luke Kornet will start once again (Photo via X)
In the final contest of a five-game homestand, the San Antonio Spurs host the Atlanta Hawks. The Spurs enter the game with a record of 10-4, while the Hawks are 9-6 on the season. Interestingly, San Antonio is 7-2 at home and Atlanta is 7-2 on the road.
The Spurs have had a streaky season thus far. First, they won five games in a row. A two-game losing streak followed, which was then followed by a three-game winning streak. After that, the Spurs lost two straight but they have now won their last two games.
The Hawks have played well recently. Before losing their most recent game against the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta was riding a five-game winning streak.
Spurs Draft Pick Considerations
With the 2026 NBA Draft in mind, this game is extra important. The Spurs have the right to swap picks with the Hawks. That means San Antonio has to hope for the Hawks to finish with the worst record possible. Beating Atlanta tonight would help.
As it stands, the Spurs have the sixth best record in the league and the Hawks are tied with three other teams for the 11th best record in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The injury news isn’t good for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama will miss his third straight game due to a calf injury. Stephon Castle will miss his second consecutive affair due to a hip injury. Dylan Harper is expected to miss at least another week or so with a calf injury. Reserve guard Jordan McLaughlin is also sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Wembanyama will be reevaluated after two to three weeks, while Castle will be reevaluated after one to two weeks. There is no public timeline for McLaughlin’s return.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Expect head coach Mitch Johnson to use the same starting lineup he used in the win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night (see the Grades). That lineup featured De’Aaron Fox at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Harrison Barnes at power forward and Luke Kornet at center.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Hawks
The Spurs are favored by 1.5 points, while the over/under is at 233.5 points. The smart money is on the Hawks. While the Spurs have been able to win without Wembanyama recently, eventually the loss of the team’s superstar will be felt. That very well could begin tonight.