Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks – Game #55
Devin Vassell will try to lead the Spurs to another win (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs snapped a seven-game losing streak by defeating the Toronto Raptors on Monday by a final score of 122-99. That was also San Antonio’s first win on the 2023-24 Rodeo Road Trip. Tonight, the Spurs will try to make it two wins a row when they travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks.
In the victory over the Raptors, Victor Wembanyama had a historical performance. The rookie totaled 27 points, 14 rebounds, ten blocks, five assists and two steals in 29 minutes of action. He was 10-for-14 from the floor, 2-for-4 from three-point range and 5-for-6 from the free throw line. Wembanyama was joined by a number of other teammates who played really well (see the Grades).
The Mavs enter tonight’s game as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Dallas has won five consecutive games, with superstar Luka Doncic doing a lot of the heavy lifting. On the season, the 24-year-old from Slovenia is averaging 34.3 points, 9.6 assists and 8.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 49.1% from the floor, 37.9% from three-point territory and 77.5% at the charity stripe.
For both the Spurs and the Mavericks, this will be their final game prior to the All-Star break. Both teams will resume play on Feb. 22.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The Spurs continue to remain relatively healthy. Charles Bassey is out for the season with a torn ACL and Marcus Morris remains away from the team after being acquired in the Doug McDermott trade. No one else is on the injury report.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Update
The injury news for the Mavs isn’t as succinct. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are both listed as probable for the game tonight. Big men Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber are listed as questionable. Dante Exum, who has been a key contributor for Dallas this season, will miss a tenth consecutive game with a knee injury.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Considering that the Spurs are coming off of a win, you can expect head coach Gregg Popovich to keep the same starting lineup of Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan and Victor Wembanyama.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Mavericks
The Mavs are favored by 11 points and the over/under is 242 points. The smart money is on the under. San Antonio’s offense has been really inconsistent lately and their defense was better against the Raptors. Add those two notes and the under makes a lot of sense.