Preview: Spurs vs. Kings – Summer League Game #2
Harrison Ingram and the Spurs hope to play better tonight (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will look to bounce back from a dismal summer league debut when they take on the Sacramento Kings. This will be San Antonio’s second game of the California Classic and the Kings will be playing in front of their home fans. The Spurs play three games in California before heading to Las Vegas to play at least five more summer league games.
In their debut, the Silver and Black got destroyed by the Charlotte Hornets by a final score of 97-65. Stephon Castle showed a lot of promise (see the Grades) but almost everyone else massively underperformed.
Stephon Castle and Sidy Cissoko to Sit
Spurs fans won’t get to see Castle again tonight because San Antonio has opted to sit him in this back-to-back affair. It doesn’t sound like Castle is hurt — it’s most likely just keeping him fresh for the rest of summer league.
Sidy Cissoko is also expected to be on the sidelines. Cissoko’s absence isn’t surprising because he had knee surgery in May and the Spurs want to be careful with him. The second round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft got off to a slow start against the Hornets so he’ll be itching to return to action as soon as possible to get the bad taste out of his mouth.
David Duke Jr. and RaiQuan Gray to Return
David Duke Jr. and RaiQuan Gray didn’t play against the Hornets. The two summer league veterans will likely return tonight to take the place of Castle and Cissoko. This is Duke’s fourth summer league stint so he’ll be ready to carry a big load. This will also be the fourth summer league showing for Gray. Both Duke and Gray played for the Brooklyn Nets previously in summer league.
Riley Minix Update
Riley Minix got hurt during his opening minute on the court with the summer league Spurs. Minix was one of the most notable prospects on the roster. The 6-foot-8 forward agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Spurs, which gives him a good chance of making it to training camp.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Kings
The Kings are favored by 7.5 points. Considering that the Spurs lost by 32 in their summer league debut and will be without Castle tonight, the smart money is on the hometown Kings winning by eight points or more.
If the Spurs are serious about competing in summer league, they’ll eventually play Castle, Cissoko, Duke and Gray all at the same time.