Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets – Game #2
Stephon Castle will once again start for the Spurs tonight (Photo via X)
After losing their season opener to the Dallas Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs will play their first home game of the season tonight versus the Houston Rockets. In the loss against the Mavs, Julian Champagnie led the way with 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. Victor Wembanyama had 17 points and nine rebounds, however he shot only 5-for-18 from the field and 1-for-8 from three-point line.
Tonight’s contest will be Houston’s third game of the season and their first road game. After losing to the Charlotte Hornets on opening night, the Rockets bounced back with a 128-108 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
The Spurs and Rockets will play again on Sunday — and that contest will also take place in the Frost Bank Center.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Unfortunately, the Spurs got some bad news on the injury front. Tre Jones, who is operating as the team’s backup point guard, will miss tonight’s game versus the Rockets due to a sprained ankle. He was injured during the Mavs game. It’s not yet known how long Jones will be sidelined.
Devin Vassell also remains out for the Spurs. Vassell is expected to at least miss the rest of the month, which means he’s likely to miss at least four more games.
Houston Rockets Injury Update
The Rockets have two players who are listed as questionable. Backup center Steven Adams is dealing with a leg injury, while backup forward Tari Eason is dealing with a lower leg injury.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
With Vassell still out, the starting lineup will stay the same for the Spurs. Expect head coach Gregg Popovich to go with Victor Wembanyama at center, Jeremy Sochan at power forward, Harrison Barnes at small forward, Julian Champagnie at shooting guard and Chris Paul at point guard.
Who will fill Jones’ role at backup point guard? Blake Wesley is the obvious choice. Also, expect rookie Stephon Castle to get more touches at backup point guard. In his first game in the NBA, Castle impressed with his passing. In 18 minutes, the rookie had five assists.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Rockets
The Rockets are favored by 1.5 points and the over/under is 222 points. With the Rockets playing on the second night of a back-to-back and the Spurs playing in front of their home fans for the first time this season, the smart money is on the Spurs tonight.