5 Teams that will give the Spurs the most trouble in 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
With the NBA's Western Conference as deep as ever, the San Antonio Spurs will have their work cut out for them. The Spurs will have to dramatically exceed expectations to make the playoffs, let alone the play-in tournament. It's possible, but they will have to overcome a tough schedule to successfully rebound from a franchise-worst 22-60 record in the 2022–23 season.
Fortunately, they have 7'4 rookie big man Victor Wembanyama to show for their struggles, and he should help an already talented young roster claw their way back towards respectability next season. Be that as it may, several teams are likely to give San Antonio trouble, and perhaps that will be the difference between them making the play-in tournament and an early summer.
There will also be the first-ever NBA Cup, which takes place early in the 2023–24 season, with every team competing. It certainly doesn't yet have the gravitas of winning an NBA championship, but it has been quite a while since the Spurs have played really meaningful games that count beyond wins and losses.
It would be a great way to get young players such as Jeremy Sochan, Wembanyama, and Malaki Branham a chance to play in high-pressure situations in the NBA. Of course, several teams could derail their hopes for next season. Next, we'll take a look at the first of several teams that could give the Spurs trouble in the 2023–24 season.