Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks – Game #27
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will try to down the Hawks (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs (13-13) will try to get back above .500 tonight when they host the Atlanta Hawks at the Frost Bank Center. The Hawks, who have a record of 14-13, have won seven of their last nine contests.
The Spurs are coming off of a 106-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves had been playing great defense and that was again the case in San Antonio.
In Atlanta’s latest affair, they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks by a final count of 110-102. This was an NBA Cup game and the Hawks loss eliminated them from that in-season tournament. The Bucks went on to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Cup trophy.
Draft Pick Considerations
The Spurs could have up to four first rounders in the 2025 NBA Draft. In addition to their own, they also will receive Atlanta’s first round pick. The pick is unprotected, which means that San Antonio will receive the pick no matter what.
The Spurs also have protected first rounders potentially coming from the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
There’s good news on the injury front. Tre Jones, who has been out with a shoulder sprain, is probable against the Hawks. Keldon Johnson is also probably for tonight’s game. He had been out due to a calf strain.
Zach Collins (back) is listed as questionable versus Atlanta.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The starting lineup isn’t easy to predict anymore. We know that acting head coach Mitch Johnson will start Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Julian Champagnie is also likely to start. The fifth starter could be Jeremy Sochan or Stephon Castle. Additionally, Devin Vassell is beginning to play big minutes once again, which could be a sign that he too is ready to return to the starting five. If Vassell start, it’s possible he could bump Champagnie to a bench role.
If Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones are able to return from injury, both players are likely to be main pieces of the second unit.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Hawks
The Spurs are favored by 1.5 points and the over/under is 234 points. With the Spurs nearing full health and coming off another long rest, the smart money is on the Silver and Black to win by two points or more. The Hawks are playing well but the homecourt advantage should tilt the game in San Antonio’s direction.