Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks – Game #74
Victor Wembanyama will try to power the Spurs over the Knicks (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will attempt to win their third straight game on Friday night against the New York Knicks. The Spurs followed up a home win over the Phoenix Suns with a road victory against the Utah Jazz. Tonight, San Antonio is back in the Frost Bank Center.
The Knicks, who have a record of 44-28 on the season, have played some of their best basketball as of late. New York has won three straight games and seven of their last eight contests. Their only loss during that stretch was in Denver against the defending NBA champions. The Knicks are led by Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 27.4 points, 6.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds this season.
With a record of 17-56, the Spurs remain at the bottom of the Western Conference. Only the Detroit Pistons (12-61) and Washington Wizards (17-56) have a worse record.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The best news for the Spurs is the fact that Victor Wembanyama isn’t on the injury report. Wembanyama didn’t play in the victory over the Suns, however he was active for the win versus the Jazz. In that game, the star rookie had 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five blocks. He was one of the many players on the team who played well in Salt Lake City (see the Grades).
Unfortunately, the injury news isn’t all positive for San Antonio. Keldon Johnson, who missed the game against the Jazz with knee soreness, is listed as questionable for the game versus the Knicks. Johnson is the team’s third leading scorer, with averages of 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He is shooting 45.5% from the field, 34.8% from three-point range and 78.7% from the free throw line.
New York Knicks Injury Update
The Knicks have been playing really well even though Julius Randle hasn’t played since the end of January. Randle is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
New York will be out another starter in OG Anunoby. Acquired from the Toronto Raptors earlier in the season, Anunoby is out with an elbow injury.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Knicks
The Knicks are favored by nine points and the over/under is 213.5 points. Considering that the Spurs haven’t had a three-game winning streak all season, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to get that done against a red-hot Knicks team. Expect New York to be at the top of their game and win tonight’s matchup by double-digits.