Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – Game #77
Harrison Barnes and the Spurs will try to shock the Cavs (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs snapped their five-game losing streak with a win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday but the Silver and Black are still riding a three-game home losing streak. Tonight, they’ll try to end that dry spell when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Frost Bank Center.
The Spurs enter tonight’s affair with a record of 32-44. San Antonio is still mathematically alive in the race for a spot in the play-in tournament. As it stands, the Spurs are four games behind the Sacramento Kings for the 10th seed in the Western Conference.
The Cavs don’t need to worry about playoff positioning because they’re sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 61-15. With a five game lead over the Boston Celtics, it’s only a matter of time before Cleveland clinches the first seed in the East.
These two teams played a week ago in Cleveland. In that contest, the Cavs won a final score of 124-116. The Spurs were led by rookie Stephon Castle, who totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in 32 minutes of action.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The good news on the injury report is that Devin Vassell is available to play tonight. Vassell missed the game against Denver, which was played on the second night of a back-to-back.
Charles Bassey, who is dealing with a lingering knee injury, is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Cavs. In better news, Keldon Johnson is listed as probable. Both Bassey and Johnson missed the contest in Denver.
Unfortunately, Jeremy Sochan will be sidelined this evening due to back spasms. The same injury has caused Sochan to miss the previous two contests.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Update
The Cavs will be missing two bench pieces tonight. Dean Wade will be out due to an illness, while Ty Jerome is sidelined with a knee injury.
Jerome especially has been really good for the Cavs this season. In 19.7 minutes per game, the 27-year-old is averaging 12.2 points, 3.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds, while shooting 50.9% from the field, 43.1% from three-point range and 86.8% at the free throw line.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Cavs
The Cavs are favored by 13 points and the over/under is 241.5 points. The smart money is on the under. San Antonio’s defense has been performing better recently, which should prevent the game from getting too out of hand.