Keldon Johnson and the Spurs take on the Knicks (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs return home after a one-game road trip to host the New York Knicks at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs have a record of 28-39, which has them out of the playoff picture in the Western Conference. The Knicks are safely in the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 43-24.
San Antonio went on the road and lost to the Los Angeles Lakers by a final score of 125-109. Rookie Stephon Castle led the way with 23 points and eight rebounds.
After a three-game losing streak, the Knicks have won three of their last four contests. Their latest win was at home versus the Miami Heat. In that game, Josh Hart had a triple-double of 12 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in 29 minutes.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
In addition to Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) and De’Aaron Fox (finger surgery) being out for the season, Charles Bassey will miss the game against the Knicks due to a knee injury. Third string point guard Jordan McLaughlin is questionable with achilles soreness.
New York Knicks Injury Update
The big name on the Knicks injury report is Jalen Brunson. He’s out for at least another week after he suffered a sprained ankle recently. Center Mitchell Robinson is questionable for tonight’s game. He, too, is dealing with an ankle injury.
Stephon Castle Rookie of the Year Favorite
Stephon Castle is now the heavy favorite to win the 2024-2025 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Trailing far behind him are Zaccharie Risacher, Jaylen Wells and Alex Sarr. Risacher has 15-to-1 odds, Wells has 20-to-1 odds and Sarr has 25-to-1 odds.
Castle is averaging 13.8 points, 3.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game. The rookie is shooting 42.7% from the field, 28.6% from three-point range and 71.8% from the free throw line.
In his last ten games, Castle has been even better. In 29.5 minutes per game, he’s averaging 20.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists, while hitting 48.7% of his field goals, 32.1% of his three-pointers and 67.9% of his free throws.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Knicks
The Knicks are favored by 8.5 points and the over/under is 227 points. The smart money is on the Knicks to win by nine or more points. The Spurs have been showing signs that winning is a secondary objective right now, while the Knicks are clearly playing to win games.