Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Game #70
Keldon Johnson and the Spurs host the Grizzlies tonight (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs have a record of 15-54 but tonight prognosticators expect the Spurs to win their 16th game of the season when they host the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, 23-47, are dealing with a number of injured players and their play has suffered as of late.
San Antonio is only 2-5 in their last seven games but they’ve actually played pretty well during that timeframe. The Spurs haven’t been blown out in that stretch and have been able to keep it close versus a few playoff-bound teams. Their latest game was a 113-107 loss at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks (see the Grades).
The Grizzlies are 1-6 in their last seven games and they’ve lost four straight contests. In their latest outing, they were blown out by the Golden State Warriors by a final score of 137-116.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The Spurs are relatively healthy. Last game against the Mavs, Zach Collins was forced to sit out with concussion-like symptoms. Tonight, Collins is listed as probable.
If Collins can’t go, Dominick Barlow would fill in as San Antonio’s backup center.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Update
The Grizzlies have a never-ending list of injured players. Tonight, Memphis will be without Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard and Ziaire Williams among others. Desmond Bane is listed as doubtful.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Head coach Gregg Popovich has shown no signs that he’s thinking of changing the team’s starting lineup. For that reason, expect a starting five of Tre Jones at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Jeremy Sochan at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center.
After scoring in single-digits in five straight games, Jones has turned it around offensively in his last four contests. During that stretch, he has averaged 16.3 points and 7.5 assists while shooting 59% from the field, 60% from three-point range and 91% from the free throw line.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Grizzlies
The Spurs are favored by 6.5 points and the over/under is 216.5 points. The smart money is on the Spurs to win by seven or more points. San Antonio is actually trying to win games right now, while the Grizzlies appear to be ready for the season to end. Add in Memphis’ injury woes and this looks like a game San Antonio will be able to win by a sizable amount.