The San Antonio Spurs return dwelling discovering themselves on a three-game dropping streak. After dropping an in depth sport to the Memphis Grizzlies, they’ll welcome the most effective groups within the Jap Convention to the Frost Financial institution Middle. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will come to city for his or her second matchup with the Silver and Black this season. They’ll be doing so on the second sport of a back-to-back, after a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night time.
Within the final matchup with Milwaukee, the Spurs had been lacking victor Wembanyama, and misplaced to the Bucks 132-119. Damian Lillard went off for 40 factors within the sport, hitting 7 of his 12 three-point pictures. Whereas Wembanyama continues to be on a minutes restriction, including the star rookie will undoubtedly assist the Spurs probabilities in opposition to the Bucks. This would be the first of many fascinating duels between Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo.
January 4, 2024 | 6:30 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,) Malaki Branham – Uncertain (proper ankle,) Mamadi Diakite – Questionable (G League,) Dominick Barlow – Questionable (G League)
Bucks Accidents: Don’t must report accidents till 1 p.m. CT
What to look at for
Wembanyama vs. Antetokounmpo
A freak meets an alien. No I’m not speaking concerning the plot of Alien vs. Predator, however the matchup between Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo. Whereas it will make extra sense for Wemby to get the Brook Lopez project and vice versa, I can’t assist however get excited for the rookie to sq. up with the Bucks’ star.
Antetokounmpo supplies an fascinating conflict to Wembanyama’s sport, being a extra bodily dominant participant who can undergo the rookie’s slender body. Wembanyama hasn’t shied away from contact in his rookie season. A block or dunk on the greek freak would set the web on fireplace.
Defending the three
San Antonio appeared significantly better defending the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night time. They’ve been steadily bettering on that finish since transferring Wembanyama to heart, however nonetheless battle to defend the perimeter. The Bucks nailed 18 three within the first sport in opposition to the Spurs. Milwaukee is sixth within the NBA in three-point proportion. If the Spurs hope to decelerate with the Bucks offensive assault, they’ll must include them on the perimeter.
A brand new beginning 5?
Malaki Branham turned his ankle in Memphis on Tuesday night time, and is uncertain for the competition in opposition to the Bucks. With Branham sidelines, Gregg Popovich began Tre Jones with the primary 5 within the second half. If Branham does sit out Thursday’s contest, might Jones make his first begin of the NBA season? He’s been efficient subsequent to Wembanyama and Vassell. Thursday night time stands out as the longest we see these three play collectively thus far this season.
