Preview and Prediction: San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
Rudy Gay and the Spurs take on the Knicks (Photo via Twitter)
If the San Antonio Spurs (5-11) lose tonight against the New York Knicks (4-11), not only will the Spurs see their losing streak extend to nine games, they will fall behind the Knicks in the standings. The Knicks! And with more tough games on the horizon, San Antonio could very well challenge the longest losing streak in franchise history (13 in a row).
Needless to say, the Spurs need to beat the Knicks if they hope to restore order and get back on track.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Dejounte Murray will be out for tonight’s game because it’s the second night of a back-to-back. Doctors haven’t cleared the 23-year-old to play in back-to-back games as he continues his recovery from last season’s ACL tear.
The good news is that Derrick White is listed as probable. White has missed the last two games while dealing with an injured left foot. Last season, White missed 15 games with injuries to both of his feet.
New York Knicks Injury Update
The only player of note injured for the Knicks is Elfrid Payton. The point guard, who has started three games for New York, is out with a hamstring injury.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
With Murray out, the Spurs will need a new point guard in their starting lineup. If White is able to play, he will likely start. However, there’s also a chance that Gregg Popovich goes with Patty Mills, as Mills was the starter against the Washington Wizards two games ago.
Jakob Poeltl will probably start at center. He has started the previous two games in place of Trey Lyles. Considering the Knicks are relatively small, Pop could go back to Lyles or even elevate DeMarre Carroll.
DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Bryn Forbes have all started every game this season and will likely continue to start tonight.
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
The Knicks seem to have settled on a starting lineup of Frank Ntilikina, RJ Barrett, Marcus Morris, Julius Randle and Taj Gibson. It’s the Knicks so there’s always a chance that they could change it up but they’ve had some success with that fivesome as of late.
Spurs vs. Knicks – Key Matchup
Barrett, the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is off to a promising start. He’s averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists. If White is able to play, he will likely be given the task of defending Barrett. But if White can’t play, it’ll probably fall to Forbes or Mills — and that could get ugly for San Antonio.
Spurs vs. Knicks – Prediction
Oddsmakers believe the Spurs will win by three points, with a final score prediction of 110-107. With as desperate as the Spurs are right now, let’s hope the oddsmakers are right.
Prediction
San Antonio Spurs – 120
New York Knicks – 117