Preview: San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks – Game #30
Victor Wembanyama will try to deliver Spurs fans a win (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs play against the Knicks in New York on Christmas Day this year. The Spurs (15-14) enter the game as underdogs against the Knicks (19-10) but have played good basketball recently. In their most recent affair, San Antonio dropped a close one versus the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Silver and Black have won four of their last six games. Victor Wembanyama has led the Spurs in scoring in each of those six contests. In that stretch, he’s averaging 28.5 points per game. Over his last two games, he has an astonishing 18 blocked shots.
The Knicks have been ever hotter than the Spurs recently. New York has won five of their last six games and nine of their last eleven. Their two leading scorers on the season have been Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, who are averaging 24.7 points and 24.6 points, respectively.
The last time the Spurs played on Christmas Day was back in 2016. In that game, LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 33 points on 15-for-20 shooting from the field. Kawhi Leonard chipped in 25 points, ten rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The Spurs enter Christmas without any injured players. That itself makes this a merry time for the franchise.
While Zach Collins hasn’t been playing recently, it’s not due to injury. Instead, Charles Bassey has simply taken over his role as the team’s backup center. Additionally, Jeremy Sochan has seen time at center in recent games.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson has seemingly settled on a new starting lineup. This starting five is likely the fivesome that the coaching staff had in mind when the season started. It features Victor Wembanyama at center, Jeremy Sochan at power forward, Harrison Barnes at small forward, Devin Vassell at shooting guard and Chris Paul at point guard.
Off the bench, the first players to see the court will likely be Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, Tre Jones, Stephon Castle and Charles Bassey. The rest of the bench is unlikely to play unless the Spurs are struggling or the score becomes lopsided.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Knicks
The Knicks are favored by nine points and the over/under is 223.5 points. The smart money is on the Spurs. San Antonio has played inspired basketball recently. While it’ll be difficult for the Spurs to win on Christmas Day in New York, they should be able to keep in closer than nine points.