Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers – Game #7
Chris Paul leads the Spurs on the road against the Clippers (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will look to extend their winning streak to three games tonight when they go on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers. The Spurs have won consecutive wins over the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves and now sport a 3-3 record for the season.
The Clippers are 2-4 and, interestingly, they are 0-4 at home and 2-0 on the road. Tonight, they’ll try to snap a three-game losing streak and also win their first home game. On the season, Norman Powell is leading the Clippers in scoring. The 31-year-old is averaging 25.2 points in 33.0 minutes per game. James Harden is averaging 21.8 points, 10.8 assists and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Gregg Popovich Out Indefinitely
Head coach Gregg Popovich will be away from the team indefinitely due to an undisclosed illness. Mitch Johnson filled in for him during the Timberwolves game and will remain the head coach while Popovich is sidelined. According to reports, San Antonio’s legendary coach is “OK” but needs rest.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
There was hope that Devin Vassell would be ready to make his season debut once the calendar flipped to November. Unfortunately, that has yet to be the case. The Spurs haven’t given an update recently regarding a revised Vassell timeline.
Tre Jones, who is dealing with a sprained ankle, will also remain in street clothes.
Kawhi Leonard Injury Update
Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played for the Clippers yet this season due to a knee injury. It’s unclear when he’ll be healthy enough to return.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Even with Mitch Johnson in charge, expect the same starting five of Victor Wembanyama at center, Jeremy Sochan at power forward, Harrison Barnes at small forward, Julian Champagnie at shooting guard and Chris Paul at point guard.
While the starting lineup is highly likely to be the same, Johnson did alter the rotation while coaching versus the Timberwolves. Popovich had been using Blake Wesley as the first point guard off the bench. Against Minnesota, Johnson went with Malaki Branham as the first backup point guard.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Clippers
The Clippers are favored by 3.5 points and the over/under is 214.5 points. The smart money is on the Spurs. The Clippers don’t have the services of the injured Kawhi Leonard and have been struggling. The Spurs have been playing well. Thus, take San Antonio and the three points.