Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Charlotte Hornets – Game #49
De’Aaron Fox will be the center of attention in his second game with the Spurs (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will play their third game of the 2025 Rodeo Road Trip tonight when they travel to play the Charlotte Hornets. The Spurs are 1-1 on the trip so far, with a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and a win over the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hornets, who sport a record of 12-36, have lost six straight games. Even worse, all six of those games were at home. After Charlotte takes on San Antonio tonight, the Hornets go on a nine-game road trip.
For the Spurs, who have a record of 22-26, this is the first game of a back-to-back. Tomorrow night, San Antonio plays against the Orlando Magic.
Spurs Make a Trade Deadline Deal
The Spurs acquired Patrick Baldwin Jr. and cash in exchange for a protected second round pick. San Antonio is expected to waive Baldwin.
Why did the Spurs make the deal? It was a monetary move. The Spurs got more than $4 million to take on Baldwin’s contract. Once he is released, the franchise will have an open roster spot.
Of course, San Antonio’s biggest deal of the trade deadline period was the acquisition of De’Aaron Fox from Sacramento. In Fox’s debut with the Spurs, the speedy point guard had 24 points, 13 assists, five rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Charles Bassey remains sidelined for the Silver and Black. The backup center is dealing with a sprained MCL. There’s no word yet regarding how long the big man is expected to miss.
With Bassey out and Zach Collins traded in the deal that brought in Fox, the Spurs will have to turn to either Jeremy Sochan or Sandro Mamukelashvili for backup center minutes.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson went with the starting five of Victor Wembanyama, Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell, Chris Paul and De’Aaron Fox against the Hawks. Expect Johnson to go with that same fivesome against the Hornets. Fox and Paul played well with each other and rookie sensation Stephon Castle had a solid game off the bench.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Hornets
The Spurs are favored by 10.5 points and the over/under is 229.5 points. The smart money is on the Spurs. The Hornets are struggling, while the Spurs are extra energized with the addition of Fox. Since this is the first night of a back-to-back, San Antonio’s coaches will be gunning for a blowout win in order to get some rest before tomorrow’s Magic game.