Go back to December, when the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs’ historic losing streaks were among the NBA’s most talked-about stories. Both teams experienced historically bad runs of play; the Spurs dropped 18 games in a row, while the Pistons dropped 28 games in a row. The “toilet-bowl” aspect of the teams’ anticipated confrontation was eliminated when both teams ended their streaks.
There’s no denying that they are two of the NBA’s weakest clubs. Both teams are headed for another season in which they will rely on lottery winnings to bolster their rosters. Still, the Spurs have a chance to start a winning run starting with the game in Detroit after turning in two solid performances last week. The Pistons are scheduled to
Through the end of the month, San Antonio will play a number of tough clubs, including the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers, in addition to twice facing the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards. They have been playing better the past week, and a victory in Detroit might help them have a great January.
Charles Bassey is out for the Spurs with a left knee injury. OUT (Sidy Cissoko, G League) Zach Collins—Out (ankle, right) David Duke Jr. (G League) is out. Questionable Mamadi Diakite (G League,) Dubious Dominick Barlow (G League)
Pistons Injuries: You can wait until 1 p.m. CT to report injuries.
What to look out for in order to ensure Victor Wembanyama’s domination
Over the past few weeks, Victor Wembanyama has been nothing short of extraordinary. In his last five games, the youngster has scored twenty points or more and blocked twenty-two in that span. In order to entice the big man to look around the rim, the Spurs have been playing through Wembanyama, using off-ball screens and high pick & roll. He’s locking down the paint and trying more shots at the hoop.
Detroit is not a great defensive nor offensive unit. Jalen Duren provides some challenges with his combination of size and athleticism, and Isaiah Stewart is a big man who can stretch the floor. Neither of those two provide the challenge that Wemby has faced with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jarrett Allen in the last two games. This is a matchup in which Wembanyama should dominate.
Does Tre Jones continue to start?
When Malaki Branham turned his ankle against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Spurs turned to Tre Jones to fill his spot in the starting lineup. The results have been a clear improvement both offensively and defensively. Over the last two games, the starting five of Jones, Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Sochan and Wembanyama has played 63 possessions, producing a 117.5 offensive rating and a 106.6 defensive rating and a +10.9 net rating. Swap out Jones for Branham, and that group has played 90 possessions for a -14.7 net rating.
Branham is officially off the injury report. While he played against Cleveland, he was listed as questionable before the game. With no injury designation, will he re-enter the starting five, or will Gregg Popovich continue using the lineup that’s been playing well?
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