The San Antonio Spurs are hitting the highway for a five-game highway journey beginning with a matchup in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks. Regardless of an in depth loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night time, the Spurs are working on a excessive fueled by some sturdy play within the final 5 video games. Alternatively, the Hawks are on a skid, shedding 4 of their final 5 contests. With commerce rumors surrounding the franchise, Atlanta has fallen out of the playoff image within the East.
The sport takes place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Hawks and Spurs will honor the enduring determine within the metropolis the place he grew up. The celebration of probably the most necessary folks in civil rights historical past stands as a reminder that there are some issues which might be larger than basketball.
January 15, 2024 | 2:30 PM CT
Watch: TNT | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey – Out (left knee,) Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League,) Zach Collins – Out (proper ankle,) David Duke Jr. – Out (G League,) Doug McDermott – Questionable (proper ankle,) Dominick Barlow – Questionable (G League)
Hawks Accidents: Kobe Bufkin – Out (G League,) Mouhamed Gueye – Out (low again,) De’Andre Hunter – Out (proper knee,) Vit Krejci – Out (left shoulder,) Wesley Matthews – Out (proper calf)
What to observe for
Containing Trae Younger
The Atlanta Hawks put up quite a lot of factors. They common 121.7 factors, ok for fourth within the NBA. Their offensive assault is lead by their level guard, Trae Younger. He’s averaging 27.2 factors and 10.9 assists whereas hitting over 3 triples a sport. In San Antonio’s solely matchup with the Hawks this season, he scored 45 factors with 14 assists.
Atlanta’s protection is susceptible, however their offense thrives when ran by means of Younger. The purpose guard has a 31.2% utilization proportion. If San Antonio can lower off the pinnacle of the snake, they will decelerate Atlanta’s offense.
What’s going to Wembanyama do subsequent?
Victor Wembanyama is at present on one of the best stretch of his younger NBA profession. In his final 5 video games, Wembanyama is averaging 22.6 factors, 9.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and is capturing 50% from the sector. He’s been a pleasure to observe this month regardless of enjoying below 25-minutes a sport. The minutes restriction will nonetheless be on in Atlanta, however The Spurs begin ought to thrive in opposition to the Hawks flimsy protection.
The one query is what is going to he do subsequent? He seemingly tops himself night time after night time. Followers ought to be on the sting of their seats to see simply what the show-stopping rookie will pull out of his bag of tips.
Tre Jones working the present
Coincidentally (or not, relying on who you ask) the sturdy play of Wembanyama has occurred whereas Tre Jones entered the beginning lineup. As a starter, Jones is averaging 16.6 factors and 5.2 assists whereas capturing 50% (!!) from three level vary. He was nice in opposition to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, placing up 30 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, hitting 4-6 three-pointers.
San Antonio’s offense is working a lot smoother with the purpose guard on the helm. This has been abundantly clear within the third quarter, the place the Spurs had struggled earlier than Jones entered the primary 5. With Jones beginning, they’ve received five-straight third quarters. Atlanta’s protection permits 124.1 factors a sport. The Spurs ground normal can assist them choose the Hawks aside on Monday.
