Preview and Prediction: San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers
DeMar DeRozan and the Spurs will try their luck against the Pacers (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs (25-33) wrap up their three-game homestand on Monday night when they host the Indiana Pacers (36-24). The Pacers are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, a half game behind the Philadelphia 76ers and two games behind the Miami Heat.
The Spurs, on the other hand, are essentially tied with the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings for the ninth seed in the West. All three teams are two and a half games behind the Memphis Grizzlies. With a win over the Pacers, the Spurs can pass the Pelicans and Kings, as both teams are idle tonight.
LaMarcus Aldridge Shoulder Injury Update
LaMarcus Aldridge won’t be able to play tonight due to his injured shoulder. It’ll be the third consecutive game that he will be forced to miss. Considering the Spurs play again tomorrow night and Aldridge wasn’t able to participate in shootaround this morning, it sounds like he will miss at least two more games.
Jakob Poeltl Knee Injury Update
When Jakob Poeltl got hurt against the Orlando Magic, it was diagnosed as a knee bruise. Unfortunately, further evaluation found an injury to his MCL. He is expected to be out anywhere from two to four weeks.
Spurs vs. Pacers – Key Matchup
With Aldridge and Poeltl out due to injuries, the Spurs will need to find a way to slow down the starting tandem of Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. The two Pacers bigs are talented, physical players who could dominate the interior unless the Spurs have someone emerge
Drew Eubanks played well against the Orlando Magic last game and he could start tonight against the Pacers. Another option is for head coach Gregg Popovich to move Trey Lyles over to center and slide either Lonnie Walker IV or Rudy Gay into the starting lineup.
Prediction: Spurs vs. Pacers
The Pacers are favored by 2.5 points, with an expected final score of 111-109. However, I think the Spurs will win this game. They’re desperate and they should have enough role players step up since they will be playing at home.
San Antonio Spurs – 115
Indiana Pacers – 113