Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Game #69
Blake Wesley and the Spurs will try to win their second straight game tonight in the AT&T Center (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs will attempt to stay hot against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night in the AT&T Center. In their previous game, the Spurs hit a franchise record 22 three-pointers and handed out a season-high 39 assists. As a result, San Antonio was able to beat the Orlando Magic by a final score of 132-114 to notch their second victory in three games and their fourth victory in seven games.
Surprisingly, the Mavericks have struggled more than the Spurs recently. They’ve lost three straight games and six of their last eight games. With a record of 34-35, Dallas currently sits in the ninth seed in the Western Conference.
Tonight will be the third matchup of the season between the Spurs and the Mavs. The Mavs won the previous two games. The two teams will play a fourth and final game on the last day of the regular season.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Considering that this game is on the second night of a back-to-back, it’s not a surprise that the Spurs are sitting a bunch of players tonight. Jeremy Sochan, who played great against the Magic (see the Grades), is out due to right knee management. Devin Vassell is out due to left knee management. Zach Collins, who also played really well last night, is out due to left ankle management.
Unfortunately, it sounds like Charles Bassey is out for the rest of the regular season due to a non-displaced fracture of his left patella. He suffered the injury in the first quarter against the Magic.
Khem Birch (knee) and Julian Champagnie (G League) are also listed as out.
Malaki Branham, who missed the Orlando game with a right shoulder impingement, is questionable for tonight’s affair.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Update
The Spurs aren’t the only team in Texas dealing with a lot of injuries. The Mavs have even more talent on the sidelines. Superstar Luka Doncic is out with a thigh injury. Kyrie Irving is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game. Christian Wood, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Markieff Morris are all list as questionable.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Who will head coach Gregg Popovich start tonight? We can assume that Keldon Johnson and Keita Bates-Diop will start at forward. At guard, Tre Jones will likely start. Next to Jones will probably be either Devonte’ Graham, Blake Wesley or Malaki Branham, if he’s healthy. The starting center will most likely be Sandro Mamukelashvili due to Zach Collins and Charles Bassey being out. Another possibility is rookie Dominick Barlow getting the nod at center.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Mavericks
The Mavs are favored by four points and the over/under is at 226 points. With so many injuries, it’s difficult to know what to expect from these two teams. Thus, the smart money tonight is actually on Sandro Mamukelashvili’s point total of 9.5 points. Considering the lack of center depth, Mamukelashvili will likely get a lot of minutes. He has been aggressive on the offensive end so he should be able to score in double-figures tonight for the Spurs.