Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Game #21
Keldon Johnson will try to captain the Spurs to a win over the Lakers (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will hope that the third time’s the charm against the Los Angeles Lakers. Within the past week, the Spurs have lost twice to the Lakers — including last night’s 105-94 defeat (see the Grades). The two teams play again tonight in the AT&T Center.
Last night, the Lakers got 25 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks from Anthony Davis, while LeBron James chipped in with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. San Antonio was led by Tre Jones’ 19 points and five assists, while rookie Jeremy Sochan added 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.
The Spurs, 6-14, have lost seven straight games and 12 of their previous 13 games overall. The Lakers, on the other hand, are 6-11 on the season after winning four of their last five contests.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
After spraining his left ankle last night, Keita Bates-Diop is out for tonight’s affair. The Spurs didn’t announce how long he’ll be out. Joining Bates-Diop on the sidelines will be Josh Richardson, who is dealing with a sprained right ankle.
The good news is that Doug McDermott is available to play. He missed Friday night’s game with a sprained left ankle.
The only other injured Spurs player is Blake Wesley, who is likely out for at least another month due to a torn MCL in his left knee.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update
LeBron James returned from injury last night and he’s probable to play tonight. Anthony Davis, though, is questionable for tonight’s game. Davis is dealing with a left calf contusion.
Patrick Beverley remains out. He was suspended three games by the NBA for shoving Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton. This is the second game of that suspension.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The Spurs are very likely to keep their same starting lineup: Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Jakob Poeltl.
Off the bench, expect head coach Gregg Popovich to go with Zach Collins at center, Isaiah Roby at power forward, Doug McDermott at small forward and Romeo Langford at guard. If Popovich opts to use a second guard, expect it to be rookie Malaki Branham.
Spurs Tumble Down the Standings
As you’d expect, San Antonio’s recent losses has sent the team to near the bottom of the NBA standings. The Spurs and the Charlotte Hornets both have a record of 6-14. Only three teams have a worse record: the Orlando Magic (5-14), Detroit Pistons (5-16) and Houston Rockets (4-14).
As it stands, the Spurs have an 11.5% chance of getting the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Their chances of landing a top three pick are currently at approximately 34%.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Spurs
The Lakers are favored by 2 points tonight and the over/under is set at 231.5 points. While it’s difficult for any team to beat another team two times in two days, the spread is too small to do anything other than put money on the Lakers to win and cover.