Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets – Game #2
The San Antonio Spurs will try to win their first game of the 2023-24 season when the Silver and Black take on the Houston Rockets on Friday night at the Front Bank Center. San Antonio’s season began with a close loss at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. With Victor Wembanyama limited due to foul trouble, the Spurs lost to the Mavs by a final count of 126-119 (see the grades).
Even though Wembanyama was only able to play 23 minutes, he still was quite productive. He finished his first ever NBA game with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while hitting 6-of-9 shots from the floor and 3-of-5 shots from three-point land.
The Rockets also started their 2023-24 campaign with a loss. However, their loss was in much more embarrassing fashion. Houston played the Orlando Magic and got blown out by 30 points, 116-86. The Rockets had no player score more than 14 points.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Zach Collins was iffy heading into the game against the Mavericks due to an illness but he was able to play and he didn’t appear limited. In the second game of the season, San Antonio isn’t dealing with any injuries. Let’s hope it stays like that for a long while.
Houston Rockets Injury Update
The Rockets will be without former Spurs big man Jock Landale due to a concussion. Houston will also be without Victor Oladipo and Nate Hinton.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
With everyone good to go, the Spurs will start Jeremy Sochan at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Keldon Johnson at small forward, Victor Wembanyama at power forward and Zach Collins at center. The first two players off the bench will likely be Tre Jones and Cedi Osman.
Houston Rockets Starting Lineup
In their season debut, the Rockets went with Fred VanVleet at point guard, Jalen Green at shooting guard, Dillon Brooks at small forward, Jabari Smith Jr. at power forward and Alperen Sengun at center. Despite the blowout loss, that will likely be their starting lineup again.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Rockets
The Spurs are favored by three points in tonight’s contest versus the Rockets. The smart money is on the Spurs to win by four or more points. San Antonio will be at home and will be focused on bouncing back from their frustrating loss to open the season. While Houston will be motivated, the fallout from their blowout loss to begin the season could linger for a bit.