THE San Antonio Spurs I have won two matches in a row only three times this season. They never managed to overcome the obstacle and achieve a third consecutive victory. Tuesday evening, against their national rival, the Houston Rocketsthey have the chance to change that.
The Spurs played well in their two-game comeback in San Antonio, eliminating two playoff contenders. This strong play was led by February Rookie of the Month Victor Wembanyama, who is off to an even stronger start in March. The rookie banged his shoulder in Sunday’s win over the Indiana Pacers and is questionable for Tuesday’s game. San Antonio is hoping its star can play against Houston, as he has had success against them this season.
The Spurs last faced Houston on December 11, where they lost 93-82. Since then, a lot has changed for both teams. San Antonio will look to take the lead in the season series and capture its longest winning streak of the season.
March 5, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. CT
Watch: Bally | Listen: WOAI (12:00 p.m.)
Spurs injuries: Charles Bassey – Out (left knee,) Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League,) David Duke Jr. – Out (G League,) Jamaree Bouyea – Out (G League,) RaiQuan Gray – Out (G League,) Julian Champagnie – Questionable (right ankle) Victor Wembanyama – Questionable (left shoulder)
Injuries caused by rockets: Steven Adams – Out (right knee,) Tari Eason – Out (left shin,) Nate Hinton – Out (G League,) Jermaine Samuels Jr. – Out (G League)
What to watch for
The status of Wembanyama
Wembanyama has established himself as the Spurs’ best player, the odd favorite to win Rookie of the Year and one of the best players in the league. Missing time would hurt the momentum San Antonio has built. The rookie was a key part of the Spurs’ success against Houston this season.
In their first game, Wembanyama had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. In the second, he collected 15 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocks. He possesses Alperen Sengun in the paint and has reduced the Rockets’ defensive attack. This match particularly favors Wembanyama, so his status is of the utmost importance.
Three-point shot
The Rockets and Spurs are two of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA. San Antonio is shooting 34.7% from three, while Houston is making just 34.8% of its deep shots. Whoever can get hot from three may have the best chance of winning this match. The Spurs have shot the ball well over the last two games. Wembanyama’s increased efficiency from deep, Devin Vassell’s continued accurate shooting and Malaki Branham’s scoring streak have all been strengths for San Antonio. Carrying that improved shooting into the game with Houston should give them an advantage.
Defensive energy
The Spurs have increased their defensive intensity during their winning streak. From the jump, San Antonio directed the Drivers toward Wembanyama in the paint and rushed to take on the shooters. There have been brief lapses, but for the most part the effort has been consistent. Crisp defensive rotations and pressure on ball handlers have been key to Spurs’ improvements on that front. Houston is in the bottom half of the league in offensive efficiency (112.6 offensive rating). Another stifling defensive performance would help the Spurs secure a road victory.
