Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks – Game #34
Doug McDermott won’t play for the Spurs tonight (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs are riding a three-game losing streak and face a tough challenge tonight when the Milwaukee Bucks come to town. The Spurs have a record of 5-28 and they’re just 2-14 in front of their home fans at the Frost Bank Center. The Bucks are on the other end of the standings with a record of 24-10, however Milwaukee is just 8-7 on the road.
The Spurs are coming off of a relatively close contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. San Antonio battled but ended up losing by a final count of 106-98. Rookie big man Victor Wembanyama led the way with 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots (see the Grades).
Following a stretch in which the Bucks won nine out of ten games, they’re coming off consecutive losses against the Indiana Pacers. Interestingly, four out of Milwaukee’s ten losses this season have come against the Pacers.
This will be the second and final contest between the Spurs and the Bucks this season. In the first game, which took place on Dec. 19, the Silver and Black lost in Milwaukee by a final score of 132-119.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Unfortunately, the injury news for the Spurs is starting to pile up. Zach Collins remains out with an ankle injury and could be sidelined until the end of the month. Doug McDermott will join Collins on the sidelines. He is dealing with a forearm contusion.
Malaki Branham, who has been starting at point guard for the Spurs, is doubtful due to a sprained ankle. Branham injured his ankle against the Grizzlies while attempting to play defense on Ja Morant.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Today is Victor Wembanyama’s birthday and we can confidently say he will start for the Spurs at center. Joining Wembanyama in the starting five will be Jeremy Sochan at power forward, Julian Champagnie at small forward and Devin Vassell at shooting guard. If Malaki Branham is able to play, he’ll start at point guard.
In the scenario where Branham misses the game with an ankle injury, the most likely starter at point guard will be Tre Jones. Against the Grizzlies, Jones started the second half after Branham got hurt. Another possibility, though, is Blake Wesley starting at point guard for the Spurs. Head coach Gregg Popovich may opt to start Wesley in order to keep Jones with the second unit.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Bucks
The Bucks are favored by 10.5 points and the over/under is 248.5 points. The smart money tonight is on the Bucks. The Spurs are dealing with multiple injuries and haven’t been playing well. Milwaukee, on the other hand, is healthy and has to be motivated after dropping a pair of games to the Pacers.