Keldon Johnson and the Spurs look to get on the winning track (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will try to avoid an 0-3 start Saturday night when they visit the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. After dropping their first two games, San Antonio will be looking to turn things around against another Southwest Division opponent.
Friday’s 114-110 loss to Houston (see the Final Grades) was particularly disappointing because the Spurs had an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds. Victor Wembanyama played much better than he did against Oklahoma City, but San Antonio still hasn’t put together a complete performance.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The Spurs will again be without Tobias Harris and Jayden Quaintance. Harris is still nursing a calf strain, while Quaintance remains sidelined following knee surgery. De’Aaron Fox and Keldon Johnson both played Friday after appearing on the injury report earlier in the week.
Dallas has some important injury concerns. Cooper Flagg has been ruled out after injuring his left shoulder against Indiana on Friday.
Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Zaccharie Risacher and Morez Johnson Jr. are questionable. Irving scored 24 points in Dallas’ victory over Indiana, but playing consecutive nights could be a concern as he works his way back from knee surgery.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Expect Coach Mitch to stay with the five starters he used against Houston: Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and Wembanyama.
It’s a talented group, but playing three natural point guards together requires some adjustment. The Spurs are still figuring out how to balance their offensive responsibilities while getting everyone quality looks.
With Dallas missing Flagg, Johnson may feel more comfortable sticking with the smaller lineup. Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson should again be important contributors off the bench.
What to Watch Against the Mavericks
Wembanyama bounced back with 25 points and 13 rebounds against Houston after a miserable shooting night in the opener. Dallas could have a difficult time slowing him down, particularly if some of its questionable players are unable to suit up.
Harper is also off to an encouraging start. The second-year guard scored 20 points Friday and continues to look comfortable attacking NBA defenses. Fox chipped in 19 points and nine assists, although San Antonio still needs its guards to develop better chemistry.
The Mavericks are 1-1 after beating Indiana 121-105, with P.J. Washington adding 20 points and 13 rebounds.
An 0-2 start isn’t a disaster, but the Spurs certainly don’t want to spend the opening week digging themselves a deeper hole. A victory in Dallas would be a welcome step in the right direction.