Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors – Game #75

Devin Vassell and the Spurs will attempt to upset the Warriors (Photo via Twitter)

The San Antonio Spurs will attempt to extend their winning streak to four games on Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors. San Antonio’s three-game winning streak has the Spurs at a record of 18-56, while the Warriors enter tonight’s affair with a 39-34 record.

After defeating the Phoenix Suns at home and the Utah Jazz on the road, the Spurs returned to the Frost Bank Center and defeated the New York Knicks in overtime to win their third straight contest. The win over the Knicks came in overtime by a final score of 130-126. Victor Wembanyama, the soon-to-be 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year, finished the memorable game with 40 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists. He was joined by a number of teammates who also played well (see the Grades).

Golden State undoubtedly views tonight’s game in San Antonio as a must-win game. The Warriors are the 10th seed in the Western Conference with the red-hot Houston Rockets on their heels. The Rockets are now only one game behind the Warriors after winning 11 consecutive contests.

San Antonio Spurs Injury Update

Sadly, the injury bug is back in San Antonio. The Spurs are dealing with three new injuries. First, Jeremy Sochan has an ankle impingement and won’t be able to play tonight. There’s talk that he may have to miss an extended period of time.

Second, Keldon Johnson has a foot injury. He suffered the injury versus the Knicks and will miss the game against the Warriors. Third, Dominick Barlow is out with knee soreness. It’s unclear when he sustained his injury.

San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup

With Jeremy Sochan on the sidelines, the Spurs will have to go with a new starting five. We can safely say that head coach Gregg Popovich will go with Tre Jones at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at small forward and Victor Wembanyama at center. 

Who will be the fifth starter? Popovich could go many different ways. He may go small and put Malaki Branham in the starting five. Cedi Osman is another possible starter. If Popovich wants to go bigger, he could give Sandro Mamukelashvili his first start of the season.

Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Warriors

The Warriors are favored by 9.5 points and the over/under is 226.5 points. The smart money is on the over. San Antonio is playing well and Golden State will play with desperation. That should result in plenty of points on the scoreboard.