Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors – Game #17
Julian Champagnie will try to shoot the Spurs by the Warriors (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs (8-8) will sport a winning record if they can get a victory tonight against the Golden State Warriors. It won’t be easy for the Spurs because the Warriors, who are 12-3 on the season, sit atop the Western Conference standings.
San Antonio is coming off a pair of unlikely wins. In both games, the Spurs were without three key injured players: Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochans. Those three players are the leading scorers for the team so far this season.
The Warriors have also won two straight games. After beating the Atlanta Hawks at home, Golden State defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on the road.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
There is a mix of good news and bad news on the Spurs injury report. First of all, Keldon Johnson is listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury. Johnson hasn’t missed a game for the Spurs this season.
Wembanyama and Vassell, who have both missed the last three games, are each listed as questionable tonight versus the Warriors. Wembanyama has been dealing with a knee bruise, while Vassell has been dealing with knee pain.
Sochan remains sidelined due to a broken thumb. While no specific return date has been given by the franchise, it’s expected that he’ll be back in the lineup by Christmas.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
If Wembanyama is healthy, he’ll start at center. If not, expect interim head coach Mitch Johnson to start Zach Collins at center. The rest of the starting five is very likely to be Harrison Barnes at power forwad, Julian Champagnie at small forward, Stephon Castle at shooting guard and Chris Paul at point guard.
Even if Vassell is able to return tonight, expect him to come off the bench. It’s also very likely that Vassell will be on a minutes restriction.
Charles Bassey Thriving
With Wembanyama out, Bassey has been given an opportunity — and he took full advantage of the extra minutes. In the last three games, the native of Nigeria has totaled 23 points, 23 rebounds and 11 blocked shots. Against the Jazz, Bassey has 11 points, nine rebounds and six blocks in 27 minutes.
Coming off of a torn ACL he suffered last season, it would have been reasoable to expect a slow start for Bassey. Instead, the backup center has made a good case that he should still get minutes even when Wembanyama returns.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Warriors
The Warriors are favored by 2.5 points and the over/under is 228 points. The smart money is on the over. San Antonio’s offense has been rolling lately — even without some of their main guns. Golden State has also been playing well on offense recently. Add up the facts and the over appears to be a safe bet.