The previous couple of weeks haven’t been form to the San Antonio Spurs. Again-to-back blowout losses to the Memphis Grizzlies go away them two video games under .500 and losers in 4 of their final 5 video games. In some way, it’s nonetheless higher than what’s taking place in South Seaside.
The Miami Warmth leads the league in dangerous vibes. Jimmy Butler is again after a seven-game suspension for breaking group coverage. The Warmth’s greatest participant hasn’t seemed engaged since requesting a commerce earlier this yr. With out Butler, Miami has centered on establishing its youth because the franchise’s core. Tyler Herro is having a profession yr, Bam Adebayo is a defensive anchor, and younger items like Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. have proven flashes.
The Warmth are a formidable opponent with Erik Spoelstra on the helm, no matter who’s on the roster. Nonetheless, they’ll be a step down from the competitors the Spurs have confronted in January, particularly from groups like Memphis. San Antonio’s schedule doesn’t get a lot simpler from right here as a visit to Paris looms. The Spurs have a chance to steal a win on the highway in opposition to a Miami group simply attempting to remain out of the headlines.
January 19, 2025 | 2 PM CT
Watch: FanDuel Sports activities | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Jeremy Sochan – Out (again), Riley Minix – Out (G League), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)
Warmth Accidents: Bam Adebayo – Obtainable (again), Josh Christopher – Questionable (G League), Josh Richardson – Out (heel), Dru Smith – Out (achilles), Isaiah Stevens – Out (G League)
What to look at for:
Profitable the hustle recreation
They don’t name them the hardest, best-conditioned, meanest franchise within the NBA for nothing. #HeatCulture can be out in full drive on Sunday. San Antonio has to rise to the problem. In all seriousness, the Warmth are a top-10 defensive group within the NBA. Adebayo is a defensive drive, they usually have sufficient weapons round him to trigger opposing groups complications. San Antonio’s offense has been something however constant recently. That might want to change to beat a tricky Warmth group.
Containing the three-point line
In two straight video games in opposition to Memphis, the Spurs bought lit up from three. The Warmth are eighth within the NBA in three-pointers per recreation. Herro is a risk off the dribble, Duncan Robinson is among the league’s greatest motion shooters, and Haywood Highsmith is a pleasant three-and-D wing. The Spurs should include ball handlers and get out to shooters to maintain Miami from getting scorching.
Getting Wembanyama going
Victor Wembanyama has taken a step again after placing up insane stats in December. He appeared to drift out and in of the sport offensively in opposition to Memphis. Mitch Johnson ought to make a concerted effort to get his celebrity huge man again on observe in opposition to Miami. Watch to see if San Antonio runs extra intentional motion to get Wembanyama the ball in spots the place he’s snug, both on the perimeter or within the paint. A bounce-back Wembanyama efficiency may get him again on observe earlier than he heads residence later this week.
