Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers – Game #49
Malaki Branham might have to start for the Spurs tonight against the Clippers (Photo via Twitter)
On the second night of a back-to-back, the San Antonio Spurs stay in Los Angeles to take on the Clippers. Last night, the Spurs collapsed in the fourth quarter against the Lakers and ended up losing by a final score of 113-104 (see the Grades). Tonight, San Antonio hopes to have better luck against the Clippers.
Overall, the Spurs have lost three straight games and 11 of their last 13 outings. Their only wins during that stretch were against the lowly Detroit Pistons and against the Brooklyn Nets without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
The Clippers have won three straight games. Their latest win was a 133-115 victory over the Lakers. At 26-24, the Clippers currently are the 5th seed in the Western Conference. On the other hand, the Spurs have the second worst record in the West with a record of 14-34.
When the Lakers beat the Spurs last night, that completed a 4-0 season sweep. Tonight, the Clippers will also be going for a 4-0 season sweep of the Spurs. The Clippers have beat the Spurs by an average score of 121-110 so far this season.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The Spurs are suddenly dealing with a number of injuries. First of all, Devin Vassell remains out until at least the All-Star break following arthroscopic knee surgery.
Romeo Langford will miss a second straight game with tightness of his left adductor. When healthy, Langford was starting in Vassell’s place at shooting guard.
Jeremy Sochan is doubtful with a left quad contusion. Earlier in the season, Sochan missed time with a right quad contusion. Expect the Spurs to be careful with their rookie and have him sit this back-to-back affair.
The Spurs have two players listed as questionable. Josh Richardson is questionable with soreness of his right knee, while Stanley Johnson is questionable with right wrist soreness.
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Update
John Wall is out tonight for the Clippers, while Marcus Morris is questionable with a rib injury and Luke Kennard is questionable with a calf injury.
The most notable injury news for the Clippers is that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George aren’t on their injury report. That means they’ll be in action against the Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
We know that head coach Gregg Popovich will start Tre Jones at point guard, Jakob Poeltl at center and Keldon Johnson at small forward. Last night, Keita Bates-Diop got the start in place of Romeo Langford. Expect Bates-Diop to stay in the starting lineup. If Sochan is out, expect Malaki Branham or Isaiah Roby to start in his place.
The Spurs have recalled Blake Wesley from the Austin Spurs of the G League. Don’t be surprised if the rookie is in the rotation tonight due to the aforementioned injuries.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Clippers
The Clippers are favored by 13.5 points and the over/under is set at 234.5. The smart money is betting the over. San Antonio’s defense has struggled recently and they will likely struggle even more due to injuries and fatigue. Bet on the Spurs and Clippers combining for 235 or more points.