The Spurs’ season has formally hit what I might name it’s third and closing section. First, there was the thrilling first half of the season the place the Spurs had been profitable greater than they had been dropping, wanting vastly improved from final season regardless of coping with some accidents to key gamers. Then, there was the “wrestle section” with its personal three subphases: a tough January schedule, hope with the arrival of De’Aaron Fox, and a 3rd subphase that started with the demoralizing information that Victor Wembanyama would miss the rest of the season with a blood clot.
Throughout that subphase, the Spurs have been in no-man’s land, not fairly calling it quits however nonetheless experimenting and never precisely instilling confidence that they might go on a season-saving run with out Wemby. Now, the Spurs are coming into section three, which I’m calling the “acceptance section” (or what others would name tanking) with the announcement that Fox will get his injured finger operated on and is finished for the season — which I assure you he would have waited to do if Wemby was nonetheless wholesome and/or the postseason was in play.
Tonight, they kick of section three in opposition to a Charlotte Hornets workforce in the same boat however with a way more reasonable shot on the final purpose of tanking groups: the highest total choose .
San Antonio Spurs (27-37) vs. Charlotte Hornets (16-49)
March 14th, 2025 | 7:00 PM CT
Watch: FanDuel Sports activities | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey (out — knee); De’Aaron Fox (out — finger); Victor Wembanyama (out — deep vein thrombosis)
Hornets Accidents: Tre Mann (out — again), Brandon Miller (out — wrist), Josh Okogie (out — hamstring), Grant Williams (out — knee)
What to look at for
Revenge — The Spurs could also be in tank mode, however that doesn’t imply they prefer to be embarrassed. They skilled that feeling on Monday after they had been beat by a skeleton-crew Dallas Mavericks workforce, they usually returned the favor on Wednesday (even when it wasn’t as emphatic as we’d have favored). Now they’ve one other likelihood for revenge in opposition to a workforce that embarrassed them again in early February, in that small window the place the Spurs had each Wemby and Fox. The Spurs had been behind a lot of the recreation in Charlotte however took a late lead, just for Miles Bridges to hit a game-winning three. The Spurs could also be “tanking”, however they nonetheless have some pleasure on the road, they usually’ll need that one again.
Fort vs. Ball — With Fox out, it’s fairly straightforward to imagine that Stephon Fort will return to the beginning lineup. That may doubtless imply that the Rookie of the 12 months favourite will get loads of time guarding one of the crucial offensively gifted guards within the league in LaMelo Ball. Fort, who had a career-high 33 factors on 10-15 capturing of their first matchup, truly outplayed Ball, who had 24 factors on an inefficient 9-26 evening. That was with Fort coming off the bench, so they’ll doubtless see extra time in opposition to one another if he begins. It’s a matchup that ought to make this a enjoyable recreation price watching.
Who will get extra minutes? — Somebody should assist fill the backup level guard position, and up to date outcomes point out that may doubtless be Blake Wesley. Malaki Branham may additionally get some extra taking part in time after driving the bench a lot of the season. To be sincere, I used to be a bit stunned when the Spurs picked up each of their 4th 12 months rookie choices final summer season, so except they’re traded or waived, one or each will probably be again subsequent season. Now’s as a great an opportunity as they’ll get to make a case for a job subsequent season, or not less than enhance their commerce worth or make a case for a job on different groups.
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