Preview, Team News, and Everything Else You Need to Know

San Antonio Spurs basketball is back, as the Spurs commence their NBA preseason run against their youthful counterparts, the Oklahoma City Thunder, today at Frost Bank Center. It’s been almost six months since the last time they took the court.

Several rotation players from both teams will sit out due to rest, letting younger players make their mark and prove they deserve a spot on the roster. Fans looking to enhance their experience might want to check out m88 free credit options for some exciting opportunities during the game!

Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder are coming from a disappointing summer, winning only one out of five games. Having the squad back against an opponent will give the coaching staff a decent opportunity to assess player interactions and test various tactical schemes, as with a big season brewing in Oklahoma City, getting back to form early will be crucial.

Head coach Mark Daigneault announced on Sunday that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort are unavailable for this game, the two guards are coming from representing Canada’s men’s national basketball team in Paris, France, for the 2024 Olympic Games.

This allows younger guards to get more on-ball reps. Sure, Alex Caruso will appear in a Thunder jersey for the first time, but Carson Wallace will also get an enhanced role to include more playmaking and shot creation. Isaiah Hartenstein will debut, while Chet Holmgren will be active, too, even if he doesn’t get hefty minutes. Meanwhile, Kenrich Williams and Jaylin Williams won’t play due to injury.

San Antonio Spurs Preview

San Antonio Spurs won the Summer League’s Small Final in Las Vegas this summer. On Saturday, Coach Pop announced that everyone except Vassell was healthy and practicing well. Wembanyama played in the Olympics, so he’ll probably be on the extra little rest.

Also, Spurs have a laundry list of absentees, as reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul, Devin Vassell, Charles Bassey, Zach Collins, and David Duke Jr. all are expected to sit out for various reasons.

Starting in the preseason game doesn’t necessarily show who will be on the roster on opening night, but it gives a glimpse into Gregg Popovich’s thought process. With Devin Vassell expected to miss at least the first five games of the season, there is a hole to fill in the starting lineup. Finding out who plays with other starters like Wemby and Paul sitting will be interesting. If Malaki Branham, Stephon Castle, or Julian Champagnie get some run, it could mean that one or two players are ready to replace Vassell while he’s unavailable.