Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Toronto Raptors – Game #6
The Spurs will try to win without Devin Vassell when they take on the Raptors (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will try to keep their winning streak alive this afternoon when they host the Toronto Raptors at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs (3-2) have won two consecutive games, both coming against the Phoenix Suns. In the first game, the Spurs overcame a 20-point deficit to stun the Suns. In the second game, rookie Victor Wembanyama scored 38 points and dominated in the fourth quarter as San Antonio beat Phoenix for the second time in three days.
The Raptors enter this afternoon’s affair with a record of 2-4. Their most recent game was a loss at Philadelphia against the 76ers by a final score of 114-99. Their leading scorer so far this season is Scottie Barnes, who is averaging 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.0 blocks.
Devin Vassell Injury Update
After San Antonio’s latest win against the Suns, head coach Gregg Popovich stated that Devin Vassell would probably be out a while due to a groin injury. Following an MRI, there apparently was some good news because Vassell is being listed by the team as day-to-day. He will miss this afternoon’s contest versus the Raptors but the Spurs haven’t ruled him out for any games beyond that one.
On the season, Vassell is averaging 19.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while shooting 53.7% from the field, 40.7% from the three-point line and 73.7% at the charity stripe.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
With the Spurs dealing with their first injury of the 2023-24 season, they will have to change their starting lineup for the first time. We know that Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins and Victor Wembanyama will start. Who will start in place of Devin Vassell?
The most likely fifth starter is Malaki Branham. That’s who started in the second half last game after Vassell got hurt. However, there are other possibilities. Cedi Osman has played really well and he could be elevated to the starting lineup. Julian Champagnie hasn’t found a role this season yet but it’s possible that the coaches could throw him into the fire by starting him in place of Vassell. It’s also possible that Tre Jones could start at point guard, which would shift Sochan to small forward and Johnson to shooting guard
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Raptors
The Raptors are favored by four points in this afternoon’s game. The smart money, though, is actually on the Spurs. They’re coming off of two road wins against a quality opponent. The Raptors have talent but they have struggled at times this season. Expect the Spurs to either win or lose by three or fewer points.