Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder – Game #22
Keita Bates-Diop will return tonight for the Spurs (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will look to put an end to their eight-game losing streak when they take on the Thunder tonight in Oklahoma City. The Spurs, 6-15, have lost 13 of their last 14 games after beginning the season with a record of 5-2.
The Thunder, 8-13, have lost five of their last six games. Despite their losing record, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an amazing season. The 24-year-old is averaging 31.1 points per game along with 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds.
The Spurs are coming off of a 143-138 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (see the Grades). San Antonio had three players score 20 or more points: Keldon Johnson (26), Tre Jones (23) and Devin Vassell (20). LeBron James led L.A. with 39 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Let’s start with the good news. Yesterday, Keita Bates-Diop and Romeo Langford were listed as questionable for tonight’s game. The good news is that both players will be able to play against the Thunder. Bates-Diop is dealing with an ankle injury, while Langford is dealing with tightness in his lower back.
Unfortunately, there is more bad news than good news. First of all, the Spurs will be without two starters: Jakob Poeltl and Jeremy Sochan. Poeltl suffered a bone bruise of his right knee against the Lakers, while Sochan suffered a contusion of his right quad. According to reports, both Poeltl and Sochan are expected to be out for about a week.
Also sidelined tonight will be Josh Richardson, who continues to recover from a sprained right ankle. This will be the fourth consecutive game that Richardson is out. Blake Wesley (torn MCL) and Dominick Barlow (G League) are also unavailable for tonight’s contest.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The Spurs will be forced to alter their starting lineup due to Jakob Poeltl and Jeremy Sochan being injured. The most likely starting lineup for head coach Gregg Popovich tonight is Tre Jones at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Keldon Johnson at small forward, Keita Bates-Diop at power forward and Zach Collins at center.
Off the bench, expect to see Charles Bassey at center, Isaiah Roby at power forward, Doug McDermott at small forward and Romeo Langford at guard. There’s also a good chance that rookie guard Malaki Branham will be in Popovich’s rotation tonight.
Why the Spurs Signed Alize Johnson
Alize Johnson, who spent preseason with the Spurs, has been re-signed by the team. To make room, the Spurs released guard Jordan Hall.
Why did the Spurs sign Johnson? They need big man depth following the injuries to Jakob Poeltl and Jeremy Sochan. Plus, Keita Bates-Diop is likely not 100% after his recent ankle injury. Johnson has played in 72 NBA games since being drafted with the 50th pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.
Hall played decently well while with the Spurs. He doesn’t have much athleticism but he’s a smart player who, at 6-foot-7, can handle some playmaking duties. Don’t be surprised if Hall ends up with the Austin Spurs in the G League.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Thunder
The Thunder are favored by three points tonight and the over/under is at 230 points. Without Jakob Poeltl, Jeremy Sochan and Josh Richardson, it’ll a tall order for the Spurs to end their eight-game losing streak — especially because they’ll be on the road. Thus, the smart money is on Oklahoma City to cover.