3.) The chance eliminate contenders in the group stage
Though the In-Season tournament started last Friday, the San Antonio Spurs will play their first game next week when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Frost Bank Center on November 10.
The Silver and Black will kick off the In-Season Tournament against the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the first official encounter between Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Three days later, they will face the Sacramento Kings in the 2-1-0. The group stage will end the following Friday with a crucial matchup versus Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on the road. The outcome of that game could determine whether San Antonio advances to the next round.
While their opponents are more experienced, competing against playoff-caliber teams with an intense focus on reaching the postseason presents the Spurs a chance to learn where they stand in the NBA. Not only can this young group achieve significant victories against skilled ball clubs, but they can also demonstrate they are talented enough to challenge anyone in the association. Even when as underdogs, fans should never count San Antonio out.