Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Orlando Magic – Game #68
Zach Collins and the Spurs look to bounce back against the Magic (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs play the third game of their six-game homestand tonight versus the Orlando Magic. The Spurs enter the contest with a record of 17-50, while the Magic are 28-40 on the season.
In San Antonio’s latest affair, they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder by a final score of 102-90 (see the Grades). The Thunder, who were playing without superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, played a strong defensive game and controlled almost the entire second half.
The Magic are coming off of an impressive 126-114 victory over the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler hit a difficult three-pointer to send the game to overtime but Orlando dominated the extra session. Wendell Carter Jr. led the way for the Magic with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
This is the second and final meeting between the Spurs and Magic this season. In the first matchup, the Magic pounded the Spurs by a final score of 133-113. Cole Anthony led the way for Orlando in that meeting, as he totaled 23 points, ten rebounds and nine assists in 31 minutes off the bench.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Injuries are once again a sore subject for the Spurs. Heading into tonight’s contest, the Spurs will be without at least four players. Tre Jones is out with a non-COVID-19 illness, Malaki Branham is out with a right shoulder impingement, Romeo Langford is out as he works his way back from an adductor injury and Khem Birch remains out with a knee issue.
Two more key players are questionable against the Magic. Keldon Johnson is questionable due to left foot soreness, while Jeremy Sochan is questionable with right knee soreness. Both were questionable prior to the game against the Thunder and neither one was able to play in that affair.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Head coach Gregg Popovich will surely start Zach Collins at center and Devin Vassell at guard. The other three spots in the starting five are up in the air. If Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan are able to play, they will both start. If either one misses, expect Keita Bates-Diop to get another start.
At point guard, either Devonte’ Graham or Blake Wesley will start due to both Tre Jones and Malaki Branham being out. If both Johnson and Sochan are out, don’t be surprised if Popovich goes with a starting five of Graham, Wesley, Vassell, Bates-Diop and Collins.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Magic
The Magic are favored by five points and the over/under is 232.5 points. The smart money is on the Magic winning by six or more points. Orlando has a lot of talent and they’re coming off of a momentous win. The Spurs, on the other hand, are dealing with a lot of injuries, are without their top two point guards and are coming off of a disappointing performance against the Thunder. If both Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan miss the game, betting on the Magic is a no-brainer.
If you’re considering the over/under, take the under. The Spurs could struggle to put points on the board with so much scoring and point guard play on the sidelines.