Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers – Game #48
Jeremy Sochan and the Spurs are in L.A. to play the Lakers (Photo via Twitter)
Over the course of the next two nights, the San Antonio Spurs play both Los Angeles teams. Tonight, they take on the Lakers. The Spurs enter the game with a record of 14-33, while the Lakers have a 22-26 record on the season.
Of their last 12 games, San Antonio has only won twice. In their last game, the Spurs had arguably their worst defensive game of the season, as the Portland Trail Blazers sprinted past the Spurs by a final score of 147-127 (see the Grades).
The Lakers have been up and down recently. After winning five straight games, L.A. is only 3-5 in their last eight contests. Their latest outing resulted in a 133-115 loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Spurs and the Lakers have already faced each other three times this season, with the Lakers winning each meeting. The average final score between the two teams has been 124-108. In the most recent game, which took place on Nov. 26, LeBron James led the way for Los Angeles with 39 points and 11 rebounds.
Tonight’s affair will be the final meeting of the season between these two teams.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Devin Vassell remains out due to arthroscopic knee surgery. The new addition to the Spurs injury report is Romeo Langford. He is questionable for tonight’s game with a hip injury. Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring theme during Langford’s career. This season, he has only played in 32 of San Antonio’s 47 games.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update
The Lakers will most likely be without former Spur Lonnie Walker IV as he recovers from a knee injury. Austin Reaves is also unlikely to play against San Antonio.
However, the big news is who may be returning for the Lakers. Anthony Davis, who hasn’t played since Dec. 16 due to a foot injury, is expected to try to play tonight. On the season, he’s averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
The Lakers are also expected to have the services of Rui Hachimura. L.A. recently acquired Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in exchange for three second round draft picks.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The question mark in San Antonio’s starting lineup is at shooting guard. Romeo Langford will start there if he’s able to play. If his hip injury keeps him on the sidelines, expect either Josh Richardson or Malaki Branham to start at shooting guard.
The other four starters appear to be set in stone: Jakob Poeltl at center, Tre Jones at point guard, Jeremy Sochan at power forward and Keldon Johnson at small forward.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Lakers
The Lakers are favored by seven points and the over/under is 243.5 points. The smart money is on the Lakers to cover the spread. With the possible return of Anthony Davis and the debut of Rui Hachimura, the Lakers should be extra motivated to right their ship. Bet on the Lakers to win by more than seven points.