Game Preview and Prediction: San Antonio Spurs at Atlanta Hawks
Dejounte Murray and the Spurs face the Hawks (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs (4-2) have embarked on a one-game road trip to take on the Atlanta Hawks (2-3) on Tuesday night. The Spurs are coming off of a 103-96 loss in San Antonio against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hawks began the season with two wins before dropping their last three contests. Atlanta hasn’t played since Halloween, when they lost 106-97 at home versus the Miami Heat.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
After taking a hard hit against the Lakers, Derrick White is listed as questionable with a contusion to his right glute. If he’s forced to miss the game, it’d be bad news for the Spurs, especially because White defended Trae Young so well last year.
Despite his “questionable” status, there’s some good news, as Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said White will probably try to play.
Atlanta Hawks Injury Update
Trae Young missed the last Hawks game (the loss against the Heat on Halloween) due to an ankle injury. However, he’s now healthy and ready to play against the Spurs.
While not exactly an injury, John Collins got hit with a 25-game suspension after he tested positive for taking a growth hormone. The first of those 25 games will be tonight’s contest against the Spurs.
Atlanta’s starting center Alex Len is probably due to a rib contusion, while Evan Turner, Allen Crabbe and Chandler Parsons are listed as out.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Trey Lyles has started every game of the season for the Spurs. Considering the Hawks are one of the smallest teams in the NBA, head coach Gregg Popovich could decide to change it up and start someone like DeMarre Carroll or even Lonnie Walker IV in place of Lyles. However, chances are high that Lyles will continue as the starter for the time being.
Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup
Trae Young will start alongside rookies Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter. If Alex Len is healthy enough to play, he’ll start too. With John Collins suspended, look for either Jabari Parker or maybe even Vince Carter to start.
If Len sits, it’s most likely that either Bruno Fernando or Damian Jones will start at center.
Spurs vs. Hawks – Key Matchup
If Derrick White plays, the Spurs will have a lot of weapons to throw at Trae Young. To start the game, Dejounte Murray would get the first crack at him. Then, White will defend him once Murray sits. However, if White is forced to sit due to the injury, Patty Mills would likely have to defend Young for stretches — which could get dangerous for San Antonio.
Spurs vs. Hawks – Final Score Prediction
Oddsmakers have the Spurs favored by 5.5 points and winning by a final score of 113-108. Considering both of San Antonio’s best defenders play point guard and Atlanta will need to be extra reliant on Trae Young to score points, the Spurs should be able to grab this road win. However, if White sits, that could change the calculus.
Prediction
San Antonio Spurs – 119
Atlanta Hawks – 107