Coming off one among their finest video games of the season, the San Antonio Spurs will head again to Texas for a matchup with the rival Dallas Mavericks. It’s the Spurs final sport earlier than getting an extended break for All-Star Weekend. It is going to be a very good litmus check to see how San Antonio has improved since they final performed Dallas on opening night time.
Of their final contest the Spurs hopped out to an early lead, however couldn’t maintain off Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in a 126-119 loss. Dallas has been taking part in some strong basketball main as much as the all-star break, profitable their final 5 video games. The Spurs will lean on the star energy of Victor Wembanyama, as they appear to begin a profitable streak heading into the break.
February 14, 2024 | 7:30 PM CT
Watch: BSSW | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey – Out (left knee,) Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League,) David Duke Jr. – Out (G League,) Mamadi Diakite – Out (G League,) Dominick Barlow – Questionable (G League,) Marcus Morris Sr. – Out (not with workforce)
Mavericks Accidents: Greg Brown III – Out (G League,) Luka Doncic – Possible (damaged nostril,) Dante Exum – Out (proper knee,) Kyrie Irving – Possible (proper thumb,) Maxi Kleber – Questionable (proper small toe,) Dereck Full of life II – Questionable (nasal fracture)
What to observe for
Slowing down Doncic
The Mavericks have among the best gamers within the Affiliation within the Slovenian sensation, Doncic. His 70+ level sport was one of many highlights of the season, and he’s routinely making defenses look foolish. He buried the Spurs of their final matchup, turning into unstoppable within the fourth quarter. He had a triple-double with 33 factors, 13 rebounds and 10 assists within the win.
Jeremy Sochan has been taking part in wonderful 1-on-1 protection currently, particularly in opposition to Toronto the place he shut down Scottie Barnes. He’ll be tasked with one of many hardest defensive assignments within the NBA. It is going to be a very good check for the second-year wing. If he can’t include Doncic, count on the Spurs to double and scramble out to shooters as soon as Luka passes.
Executing within the half court docket
San Antonio was lights out in opposition to Toronto, due partially to their offensive execution. They ran efficient units, acquired Wembanyama the ball in his spots and made well timed cuts for simple baskets. The Mavericks, just like the Raptors, are a bottom-ten workforce in defensive ranking (117.3.) The Spurs ought to be capable to discover opening in opposition to Dallas, in the event that they execute offensively. Pay shut consideration to how they run their units on Wednesday.
What is going to Wemby do subsequent?
After notching a triple-double with 10 blocks in opposition to the Raptors, expectations are sky-high for the Spurs rookie. Wembanyama appeared to be hitting the rookie wall, till he burst by means of it on Monday night time. In his first matchup with Dallas, he struggled with fouls and didn’t get constant minutes. Nonetheless he completed with 15 factors in 23 minutes. The Mavericks bigs shouldn’t give Wembanyama too many troubles, which suggests he may very well be in for an additional large time efficiency.
