Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers – Game #44
Stephon Castle and the Spurs look to bounce back tonight (Photo via X)
After a trip to Paris that saw the San Antonio Spurs win a game by a lot and then lose a game by a lot, the Silver and Black are back in South Texas for a game tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Spurs enter with a record of 20-23, while the Clippers sport a record of 26-20.
San Antonio currently sits in the 12th spot in the Western Conference after losing seven of their last nine games. The Spurs need a win tonight to avoid falling to four games below .500 for the first time all season.
The Clippers are sixth in the West, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Lakers and a game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their success this season has been a surprise because former Spurs star Kawhi Leonard has only been able to play in eight games this season. Additionally, in those eight games, Leonard has only averaged 14.8 points per game.
The Spurs have yet to win a game at the Frost Bank Center in the month of January. In fact, the last time the Spurs won in San Antonio was when they defeated the Clippers back on New Year’s Eve. In that game, Victor Wembanyama led the way with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
While playing in his native country of France, Sidy Cissoko took a hit to his head while finishing at the basket. The play was deemed a flagrant foul and Cissoko left the court after shooting his two free throws. He has now been diagnosed with a concussion and he’s out for at least tonight’s game against the Clippers.
While playing in the G League this season, Cissoko is averaging 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson has been starting Stephon Castle alongside Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul, Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes. Before Jeremy Sochan missed games recently with a back injury, he had been starting. It’ll be interesting to see if Johnson keeps going with Castle or eventually switches back to Sochan.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Clippers
The Clippers are favored by four points and the over/under is 220.5 points. The smart money is on the Clippers to win by five or more points. While the Spurs have had plenty of rest since returning from Paris, some sort of hangover from that trip is to be expected.