Preview: San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks – Game #8
Tre Jones and the Spurs will try to bounce back against the Knicks (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will try to end their frustrating two-game losing streak on Wednesday night when they take on the New York Knicks on the road. After blowing a big lead at home against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, the Spurs got annihilated on Monday on the road against the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs now have a record of 3-4 on the season.
The Knicks also enter Wednesday’s affair with a record of 3-4. In their latest contest, New York defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in James Harden’s debut for his new team. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 27 points and 26 points, respectively.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Keldon Johnson was questionable heading into Monday’s game against the Pacers but he was able to play and ended up doing well (see the Grades). Johnson is dealing with a sore wrist but since he was able to play against the Pacers, it’s likely that he’ll be able to go against the Knicks.
Unfortunately, the news isn’t as bright for Devin Vassell. After missing the last two games with a groin injury, the Spurs are saying he’s unlikely to play on Wednesday. Vassell’s next opportunity to play would be Friday night at home versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Malaki Branham has started the last two games in place of the injured Devin Vassell. Expect him to start for the third straight contest against the Knicks. Branham is averaging 7.9 points and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game to begin the season.
The other four starters are likely set in stone: Jeremy Sochan at point guard, Keldon Johnson at small forward, Victor Wembanyama at power forward and Zach Collins at center.
Checking in on Victor Wembanyama
Against the Pacers, Wembanyama clearly had the worst game of his NBA career. He was only 3-for-12 from the field and missed six of his seven shots from within the three-point arc. That said, he still found ways to produce. He had ten rebounds and two blocks in only 21 minutes of action. The tall Frenchman was also 2-for-5 from three-point range and 5-for-6 at the charity stripe.
On the season, Wembanyama is averaging 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals in 28.9 minutes per game, while shooting 46.2% from the field, 32.4% from three-point range and 75.7% at the free throw line.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Knicks
The Knicks are favored by 9.5 points and the over/under is at 224.5 points. The smart money is on the over. San Antonio’s defense really struggled in the game against the Pacers. Offensively, after a day of rest, the Spurs should have more energy and be more effective against the Knicks.