Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Game #13
Julian Champagnie and the Spurs play their first game of the NBA Cup (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs wrap up their five-game homestand tonight when they host the Los Angeles Lakers. The Spurs have won two straight contests to improve their record to .500 at 6-6. Their latest victory was a 139-130 win over the Washington Wizards. Victor Wembanyama stole the show by scoring 50 points in a dominant outing.
The Lakers are 7-4 on the season, however they are only 1-4 on the road. The Spurs, on the other hand, are 5-2 at home.
Lakers Try to Win Back-to-Back In-Season Tournaments
Last season, the Lakers won the first ever NBA In-Season Tournament. This season, they’ll try to do it again. The first game as part of the NBA Cup (which is now the name of the tournament) for the Lakers is tonight against the Spurs. Los Angeles won it last season by defeating the Indiana Pacers in the championship game.
LeBron James was the MVP of the inaugural tournament. The Lakers also received a trophy and each player received $500,000.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
After being listed as questionable for three straight games, Malaki Branham was able to make his return against the Wizards. He ended up missing two games due to a sprained ankle.
A sprained ankle still has Tre Jones sidelined against the Lakers. He originally hurt himself in the season-opening loss versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Jeremy Sochan will remain out until around Christmas due to thumb surgery.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Devin Vassell has been on a minutes restriction since returning from injury. In the three games, he is averaging 22.7 minutes and has come off the bench each night. As long as Vassell remains on a minutes restriction, expect him to not be in the starting lineup.
Against the Lakers, interim head coach Mitch Johnson is very likely to go with Victor Wembanyama at center, Harrison Barnes at power forward, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Stephon Castle at shooting guard and Chris Paul at point guard. Wembanyama, Barnes, Champagnie and Paul have started all 12 games this season. Castle was inserted into the starting five when Sochan broke his thumb.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Lakers
The Lakers are favored by 2.5 points and the over/under is 228 points. The smart money is on the over. The Spurs have averaged 121 points on this homestand and the Lakers are one of the worst defensive teams in the league. For that reason alone, it’s safe to expect a high-scoring affair.