Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets – Game #13

Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV will look to help the Spurs bounce back (Photo via Twitter)

The San Antonio Spurs are coming off of a disappointing 109-105 loss against a depleted Houston Rockets team. The Spurs led in the fourth quarter but let the game slip away in the closing minutes. The Rockets, who were playing their first game since trading away James Harden, played hard but the Spurs had enough of a talent advantage that they should have won.

Prior to the loss against the Rockets, the Spurs had completed a very impressive 4-1 road trip. However, Thursday defeat at the AT&T Center now means San Antonio has lost four straight games at home. Their only home win of the season was their first game at home, a 119-114 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

The Spurs enter this afternoon’s game with a 6-6 record, while the Rockets are 4-6.

Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV Continue Strong Play

The Spurs have to be excited about what they’re getting out of Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV. The duo has added a need boost of athleticism to the team’s starting lineup.

After scoring 49 points in the two games that DeMar DeRozan missed, Walker scored 16 points in 25 minutes with DeRozan back in the lineup. He’s doing a good job of mixing up three-point attempts and strong drives to the rim.

On Thursday, Johnson scored a career-high 29 points on 12-for-16 shooting from the field. While San Antonio has struggled at home, Johnson has not. In his last three home games, the 21-year-old is averaging 25.7 points and 7.7 rebounds on 67.4% shooting from the floor, including a sizzling 7-for-12 on three-pointers.

Houston Rockets Will Be Short-Handed Again

Like the first game between these two teams, John Wall and Danuel House Jr. are out. Eric Gordon, who also missed Thursday’s game, is listed as questionable. DeMarcus Cousins, who played in the first game, is now listed as doubtful for today’s affair.

It’s unclear whether or not the three players who they received in the Harden trade, Caris LeVert, Dante Exum and Rodions Kurucs, will be allowed to suit up today. As of right now, it sounds unlikely.

Spurs vs. Rockets – How the Spurs Can Rebound with a Win

The Spurs will need better play out of their veterans. Going into the fourth quarter of the first contest, DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge were a combined 2-for-12 from the field. Both Patty Mills and Rudy Gay also struggled for much of the game. That can’t happen today, even if the Rockets are extremely short-handed once again.