The San Antonio Spurs look to rebound after a 94-89 loss at the hands of the Phoenix Suns on Friday with a home game today against the Atlanta Hawks. The game will be at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on FoxSportsSouthwest and broadcast on the radio on WOAI 1200AM.
How will San Antonio fare against Atlanta? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key matchups to predict the outcome of the game!
Also, don’t forget to join us later today for our game thread. It will include scoring updates, lineups, up-to-date injuries, and some fun facts!
Recent Games
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs head into tonight’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks coming off a 94-89 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs took a nine point lead after the first 24 minutes but were unable to sustain momentum during the second half, ultimately losing by five.
The good news was that San Antonio did get Kawhi Leonard back. The game marked Leonard’s first game of the season after missing the opener and much of the preseason due to an eye injury. Although he struggled during the game, it is good to see the forward back.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks come into this game similar as the San Antonio Spurs, with a 1-1 record. The Hawks most recent game was a 102-92 win in their home opener against the Indiana Pacers.
Atlanta will be looking for its first road win of the season after coming up short in Toronto versus the Raptors to open the season.
Injuries
San Antonio Spurs
Patty Mills, Point Guard – Mills is still healing from surgery on his torn rotator cuff. Expect his minutes to go to Cory Joseph.
Atlanta Hawks
Adreian Payne, Power Forward – Payne has been dealing with plantar fasciitis recently and it will continue to hold him out from making his NBA debut. The former Michigan State star is pretty low on the depth chart so the Hawks won’t have to make too many adjustments.
Key Matchups
The battle down low will definitely be something to watch for, especially the battle between the power forwards. Tim Duncan is one of the premier power forwards in the game while Atlanta’s starter, Paul Millsap, has really come into his own during his short time with the Hawks. Atlanta also has Al Horford down low which makes for a scary combo with Millsap. It will be interesting to see if the San Antonio Spurs can win the battle down low.
Prediction
After losing a road game to the Phoenix Suns, the San Antonio Spurs will bounce back tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. Tiago Splitter is expected to make his season debut which should only boost the Spurs chances at victory.
I suspect San Antonio will blow this game open after most likely being chewed out by Pop for blowing a nine point lead at the half against Phoenix. The Spurs will be just too much to handle for the Hawks.
Check out the score prediction below!
Next: Tiago Splitter's Return Will Provide Huge Defensive Boost for Spurs