Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Game #23
Victor Wembanyama will try to deliver the Spurs a much-needed win (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs desperately need a win. Tonight, the Silver and Black host the Los Angeles Lakers while carrying an 18-game losing streak into the game. The Spurs haven’t won a game since defeating the Phoenix Suns in consecutive games all the way back on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2. At 3-20, San Antonio has the worst record in the Western Conference and the second worst record in the NBA.
After beating the Spurs on Wednesday (see the Grades), the Lakers now have a record of 15-10. Los Angeles is in the sixth seed in the West. Despite not having an especially impressive record, the Lakers proved their championship potential by winning the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The only injury the Spurs are dealing with is to backup center Charles Bassey, who recently tore his ACL while playing for the Austin Spurs. Bassey will miss the remainder of the season.
With everyone else healthy, the Spurs will likely keep their same starting five: Victor Wembanyama at center, Jeremy Sochan at power forward, Keldon Johnson at small forward, Devin Vassell at shooting guard and Malaki Branham at point guard. Since becoming the starting center three games ago, Wembanyama is averaging 22 points, 17 rebounds and five blocked shots.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update
The Lakers are dealing with a number of injuries. LeBron James sat out Wednesday night’s game in San Antonio and Los Angeles has him listed as questionable for the contest this evening. On the season, the ageless 38-year-old is averaging 25.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
Like James, superstar Anthony Davis is questionable. Two days ago, he led the attack against the Spurs with 37 points, ten rebounds and four steals.
Taurean Prince, who went to high school in San Antonio, is also listed as questionable. On Wednesday, Prince really hurt his hometown team by posting 17 points, five rebounds and five assists in 32 minutes.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Lakers
The Lakers are favored by 7.5 points and the over/under is 234.5 points. The smart money is once again on the Spurs. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis questionable, the Lakers will be vulnerable if either player misses the game. If Taurean Prince sits out, that’s another notable loss for Los Angeles. Add in the way the Spurs ended the game on Wednesday and their desperation level and it’s safe to say San Antonio will do all they can to at least keep it close.