Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets – Preseason Game #4
Devin Vassell and the Spurs are back in action against the Rockets (Photo via Twitter)
For the second straight game, the San Antonio Spurs take on the Houston Rockets in a preseason affair. Last game, the Spurs led for a lot of the contest until collapsing down the stretch. In San Antonio’s 99-89 loss, the Spurs were led by Zach Collins with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
There will be one big difference between last game and this game: Victor Wembaynama will be suiting up for the Silver and Black. Wembanyama sat out the first game against the Rockets due to rest purposes. Also back for the Spurs will be Devin Vassell and Tre Jones, who both also sat out to rest.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
It sounds like everyone will be available for tonight’s game against the Rockets. If that’s the case, we’ll get our first true glimpse at what head coach Gregg Popovich plans to do with his starting lineup. Most likely, Jeremy Sochan will start at point guard, Devin Vassell will start at shooting guard, Keldon Johnson will start at small forward, Victor Wembanyama will start at power forward and Zach Collins will start at center.
However, there’s a chance that Tre Jones will remain in the starting lineup and bump out either Sochan or Johnson. Cedi Osman has also started in recent games so there’s an outside chance that Popovich will decide to keep him in the starting lineup.
Wembanyama, Vassell and Collins appear to be the only three locks in the starting five.
Victor Wembanyama’s Dominant Start to Preseason
In his first two preseason games, Victor Wembanyama has scored 43 points in only 42 minutes. He also has nine rebounds, four assists, four blocks and two steals. Wembanyama has connected on 18-of-28 field goal attempts, 3-of-10 three-pointers and 4-of-5 free throws. That means he is a staggering 15-for-18 on two-pointers in his first two exhibition contests.
While preseason doesn’t count for anything, Wembanyama’s hot start might prove he’s ready to carry a heavy load early in his rookie season. If anyone doubted his skill level heading into his rookie campaign, those doubts should have been put to rest.
Spurs vs. Rockets – Betting Guide
The Spurs are favored by 2.5 points tonight over the Rockets. With Victor Wembanyama back in uniform, the smart money is on the Spurs winning by three or more points. San Antonio will also be motivated to avoid a back-to-back sweep by Houston — even if this is just preseason play. Additionally, there’s no question that Devin Vassell and Tre Jones will make life easier for the Spurs, particularly on the offensive end of the court.