Coming off a troublesome, down-to-the-wire loss to the New Orleans Pelicans the final evening, the San Antonio Spurs will likely be seeking to finish their seven-game homestand on a excessive notice earlier than heading out on their annual Rodeo Street Journey. The homestand has produced blended outcomes, from an exciting win over the top-seeded Timberwolves adopted by a letdown loss to the Washington Wizards.
Tonight, they’ll face a Cleveland Cavaliers workforce that quietly owns the fourth seed within the East however could also be short-handed on the key place of heart. Can the Spurs take benefit, or will a SEGABABA towards a defense-minded playoff workforce after a lot effort was exerted final evening be an excessive amount of to deal with?
San Antonio Spurs (10-39) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (30-16)
February 3, 2024 | 7:30 PM CT
Watch: KENS 5 | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey — out (knee); Keldon Johnson — questionable (elbow); Dominick Barlow — questionable (G-League); Sidy Cissoko — out (G-League); David Duke Jr. — out (G League); Mamadi Diakite — questionable (G League)
Observe: Spurs harm report is as of Friday; in the present day’s isn’t due till 1 P.M. resulting from back-to-back.
Cavs Accidents: Jarrett Allen — questionable (ankle); Ty Jerome — out (ankle); Tristan Thompson — out (suspended)
What to Watch For
Cavs well being — Cleveland could also be brief on massive males on this one, as Jarrett Allen exited Thursday’s recreation in Memphis with an ankle harm, and Tristan Thompson is serving a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s drug insurance policies. If Allen is out, that leaves Evan Mobley and Damian Jones as the one Cavs with the dimensions to problem Victor Wembanyama. The Cavs did get Darius Garland again from a damaged jaw this week, though he has been on a minutes restriction as he works his means again into form (he reportedly misplaced 12 kilos whereas on a liquid food regimen together with his jaw was wired shut).
Offense vs. Protection — Because the flip of the yr, the Spurs have been extra of a middling offense within the league after being in the direction of the underside for the primary two months of the season. It’s good enchancment for them, however they’ll have their arms full towards one of many high defenses within the league within the Cavs. There could be a little bit of reduction on that finish if Allen is out, however Mobley isn’t any slouch on protection and even made the All-Protection first workforce in simply his second season. On the opposite finish, the Spurs have additionally improved some on protection, whereas the Cavs are a bottom-10 offense, together with from three. If the Spurs can maintain Cleveland in verify on that finish, they’ll stand an honest probability.
48 minutes — They’re getting higher, however the younger Spurs nonetheless haven’t mastered enjoying for 48 minutes but. They’ve skilled each ends of the spectrums within the final week alone, from blowing double-digit results in digging themselves a deep gap that requires rallying again from (to blended outcomes). It gained’t assist that they’ll be at a relaxation drawback tonight, in order that they’ll want extra from the second unit than they’ve gotten just lately. On Friday, they’d Zach Collins again, however Keldon Johnson was a late scratch. Hopefully he can return tonight. On the brilliant facet, least they’ve Wemby for back-to-backs once more.
For the Cavs followers’ perspective, go to Concern the Sword.
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