Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks – Game #18

Devin Vassell will lead the Spurs against the Hawks tonight (Photo via Twitter)

The San Antonio Spurs, the unfortunate owners of a 12-game losing streak, host Dejounte Murray and the Atlanta Hawks tonight at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs have a record of 3-14, while the Hawks are 8-9. 

Murray is averaging 19.6 points, 5.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 34.1 minutes per game. All of those numbers are down from his stats in his last season in Silver and Black. Most of those numbers are also down compared to last season, his first campaign with the Hawks.

San Antonio hasn’t won a game since Nov. 2, the game against the Phoenix Suns in which Victor Wembanyama posted a career-high 38 points. Tonight, the Spurs will try to get a second win in the month of November.

Following this evening’s contest, San Antonio embarks on a two-game road trip. First, the Spurs play the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. Next, on Wednesday night, they travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves. 

San Antonio Spurs Injury Update

The big news for the Spurs right now is Victor Wembanyama’s health. San Antonio is listing their star rookie as questionable for the game versus Atlanta. Wembanyama is dealing with right hip tightness. The good news is that it doesn’t sound like a serious or long-term injury.

The only other injury news the Spurs are dealing with has to do with Jeremy Sochan. The team’s starting point guard has knee soreness. Sochan was forced to leave San Antonio’s loss to the Denver Nuggets (see the Grades) with knee soreness.

San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup

We know that head coach Gregg Popovich will start Keldon Johnson at small forward and Zach Collins at center. The other three starters aren’t clear. Devin Vassell has been coming off the bench due to being on a minutes restriction but it could be time for him to start. 

If the hip injury keeps Victor Wembanyama on the sidelines, expect Cedi Osman or Julian Champagnie to start in his place. If Jeremy Sochan doesn’t play, expect Tre Jones or Malaki Branham to get the starting nod at point guard.

Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Hawks

The Hawks are favored tonight by 7.5 points and the over/under is 248.5 points. The smart money tonight is on the Hawks. With Wembanyama’s iffy availability added to San Antonio’s poor play as of late, Atlanta has to feel good about their chances of winning by double-digits this evening.