Preview: Spurs vs. Blazers – Summer League Game #4
Victor Wembanyama aims to shoot better against the Blazers (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will attempt to keep their winning streak alive tonight when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers in the Las Vegas Summer League. The Spurs, 3-0, will be playing their second game in Vegas after beginning summer league in Sacramento at the California Classic.
In San Antonio’s previous outing, all eyes were on Victor Wembanyama. The No. 1 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft was a menace on defense but had some issues on offense. That said, the Spurs aren’t worried about Wembanyama — and, if they’re not worried, nobody else should be worried, either.
Will Victor Wembanyama Play Against the Blazers?
The Spurs haven’t announced whether Wembanyama will be playing tonight. However, the longer they don’t say anything, the more likely he will indeed suit up.
The Blazers already know that they’ll be without their star rookie. Scoot Henderson, the third pick in the 2023 draft, suffered a right shoulder injury in his summer league debut. Portland says that Henderson will be listed as day-to-day after he misses the game against San Antonio.
Julian Champagnie Keeps Smoking
The best player on the Spurs summer league team this year has undoubtedly been Julian Champagnie. The forward who signed a four-year, $12 million contract at the onset of free agency is averaging 26 points per game and has shot 46.2% from the field, 43.8% from three-point range and 84.2% from the free throw line. Additionally, Champagnie has averaged 7.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks.
After being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia 76ers in February, Champagnie has been able to successfully launch his NBA career. Heading into the regular season, the 22-year-old could very well be in San Antonio’s everyday rotation.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Blazers
The Spurs are favored by three points over the Blazers, while the game’s over/under is set at 182 points. Considering that the Blazers lost their first summer league game and are without Henderson, the smart money is on the Spurs. San Antonio should be able to improve to 4-0 in summer league action — and do it by winning tonight’s contest by four or more points.
The over/under is a more difficult bet but going with the under might be smart due to the presence of Wembanyama. In his debut, the French big man had five blocked shots — and some believe he had as many as eight blocks. Wembanyama should be able to make life difficult for the Scoot-less Blazers.