The San Antonio Spurs have yet another preseason contest earlier than the video games actually matter. They’ll play their final tune-up sport in opposition to the rival Houston Rockets, who’re off to a scorching preseason begin. The Spurs are coming off a 120-117 loss to the Miami Warmth by which they regarded sloppy, or possibly rusty for those who take an optimistic view. With “lots to work on,” based on coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs will look to bounce again and head into the common season on a constructive word.
October 17, 2024 | 7:00 PM CT
Watch: CW35 | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
(NOTE: Harm reviews don’t should be accomplished a day earlier than the sport through the preseason)
Spurs Accidents: Devin Vassell – Out (foot), David Duke Jr. – Questionable (undisclosed)
Rockets Accidents: Jock Landale – Out (relaxation)
What to observe for
Rookie guards conflict
Reed Sheppard and Stephon Fortress are the 2 standout guards from the 2024 NBA Draft class. Sheppard was drafted one spot forward of Fortress and has proven flashes of thrilling capturing skill and protection. Fortress has been up and down by 4 video games however appears prepared for the physicality of the NBA sport. Because the Spurs and Rockets rivalry heats up, these two will possible be linked collectively, given their draft place. Fortress could have the bodily benefit, however Sheppard holds his personal as a sound elementary participant. Their conflict of types might be attention-grabbing to observe on Thursday.
Cohesion within the beginning lineup
We’ve gotten a take a look at the Spurs beginning lineup in two preseason video games to this point. In each video games, the unit regarded disjointed offensively. As we noticed final yr, it’s an adjustment taking part in with Victor Wembanyama. A number of preseason video games gained’t be sufficient to construct staff chemistry – it’ll possible take a number of weeks for them to essentially begin clicking. All you’re on the lookout for is a little bit of progress in total offensive cohesion as they wrap up the preseason.
Charles Bassey getting back from harm
Among the finest storylines from the Spurs’ final sport in Miami was the return of Charles Bassey. The massive man has been out for 10 months since he tore his ACL final yr. He completed the sport with 4 factors and 4 rebounds in 10 minutes. San Antonio will possible carry him again slowly, given the severity of his harm. That stated, he has proven plenty of promise as a backup huge and offers them lineup flexibility within the second unit. The preseason is the proper time for Pop to let him get his legs again beneath him.
