Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Washington Wizards

The San Antonio Spurs are hitting a manageable portion of their schedule after an up-and-down start to their season. After a solid win against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs seem to be hitting their stride on the offensive end. They'll look to build a winning streak against a young and struggling Washington Wizards squad.

The Wizards and Spurs will be an interesting matchup for years to come now that Washington has Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr to square up with Victor Wembanyama. These young French players could be future All-Stars in the league. Last season, Wembanyama got the better of Coulibaly, but his former teammate has improved a lot since last season, averaging 16.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from deep. Sarr is already making a defensive impact, averaging 2.4 blocks a game.

The Wizards have struggled to win games, but they are feisty. They force the 12th most turnovers in the league and amass 8.9 steals a game. The Spurs have struggled with turnovers (17 per game) – they'll need to take care of the ball against Washington. If the Spurs continue to lock in defensively and shoot the ball well, they may be able to overcome their mistakes and start a winning streak.

San Antonio Spurs (5-6) vs Washington Wizards (2-7)November 13th, 2024 | 4 PM CTSpurs Injuries: Tre Jones – Out (ankle), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Malaki Branham – Questionable (ankle), Jeremy Sochan – Out (thumb)

Wizards Injuries: Saddiq Bey – Out (knee), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (hand), Richaun Holmes – Questionable (illness)

What to watch forWembanyama's hot shooting at home It's almost scary how much better Wembanyama's offense has been at home. In 6 home games, Wemby is averaging 21.7 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and 40.9% from deep. He's averaging 17.4 points and 9 rebounds on 38% shooting from the field and 20.5% from three in 5 road games. Maybe it's a comfortability thing, maybe it's the teams they've played in San Antonio, or maybe it's statistical randomness, but he's undoubtedly been better at home. Watch for this trend to continue against the Wiz.

The battle inside Wembanyama battled with Domantas Sabonis on Monday. Despite his bruising style of play, Wemby held in there and made his life difficult at the rim. Washington's big man, Jonas Valanciunas, provides a similar challenge. He's a bruising big who thrives on the glass and in the paint. Sarr will provide an interesting defensive challenge with his combination of size and athleticism. The Wizards rely on their paint play to stay in games, as they shoot just 31.4% from deep and are 28th in offensive rating. Wemby and the rest of the Spurs must control the painted area to win this one.

Stephon Castle's role The rookie has been hooping since joining the starting lineup. It seems like Devin Vassell will continue to come off the bench and play limited minutes as he comes back from injury. That means Castle should have more time with the first five. His defensive intensity, court vision, and touch around the basket have fit well with the rest of the starters. Castle is averaging 13 points and 3.8 assists as a starter. He's getting more comfortable, and it's showing on the court.

For the Wizards fan's perspective, please visit Bullets Forever .