Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers – Game #78
Sandro Mamukelashvili will likely start again tonight (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will look to continue their positive vibes tonight when they host the Philadelphia 76ers at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs enter the contest with a record of 19-58, while the 76ers sport a 43-35 record.
The Spurs have won four of their last six games. Their latest outing was a 111-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. That road win was made possible by rookie star Victor Wembanyama. He had a near triple-double of 17 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists (see the Grades).
Winners of four straight games, the 76ers are also on a roll. While they’ve dealt with a lot of injuries this season, it appears as if they are peaking at the right time with the playoffs around the corner.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The injury news is slightly improved for the Spurs. San Antonio still has three players out for the season in Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and Charles Bassey. Cedi Osman will remain out with an ankle injury and Dominick Barlow is also missing tonight’s game with a knee injury.
The good news is that Keldon Johnson is expected to be back in the lineup. He’s listed as probable with a foot injury. Johnson hasn’t played since scoring 17 points against the New York Knicks on March 29th.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Update
The biggest news for tonight’s game is that Joel Embiid won’t play. He recently returned from a knee injury and played last night and had 30 points and 12 rebounds against the Grizzlies. The Sixers are opting to play it safe and have him sit out the second night of a back-to-back. Considering that he scored a career-high 70 points the last time he played the Spurs, San Antonio is likely not too sad about this turn of events.
Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 25.5 points this season, is listed as questionable. Tobias Harris is also listed as questionable. If Embiid, Maxey and Harris don’t play, the Spurs would likely become the favorites to win the game.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Expect head coach Gregg Popovich to go with the same starting lineup that he used in the win over the Pelicans. That game featured a starting five of Tre Jones at point guard, Malaki Branham at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Sandro Mamukelashvili at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. 76ers
The Sixers are favored by four points and the over/under is 225.5 points. The smart money is on the Spurs. With the 76ers dealing with so many injuries and the Spurs playing well lately, this is a bit of a no-brainer. Add in the fact that San Antonio is playing at home and the Silver and Black should at least be able to keep the game close.