De’Aaron Fox Out
Dylan Harper Out
Jeremy Sochan Out
Luke Hornet Out
Kelly Olynyk Out
Lindy Waters Out
Austin Reaves Questionable
Maxi Kleber Out
Jaxson Hayes Probable
Adou Thiero Out
Gave Vincent Out
LeBron James Out
The Lakers are back home to face the Spurs tonight as two of the top teams in the West clash. We’ve seen the Lakers start strong even missing Luka and Reaves. Plus, we haven’t even seen LeBron take the court this year. The fact they are 6-2 so far is a great sign. However, they’re not the only team with a hot start. The Spurs are 5-1 to start the season, with Wembanyama looking like an MVP. He’s been dominate on both ends of the court, boosting the Spurs into a real threat in the West.
For the Lakers, they’ve been running their system mostly on offense when they’re healthy. The backup unit provides some size off the bench, but when it’s Reaves and Luka, it’s all about buckets. It’s been working too—they’re one of the most efficient shooting teams in the league this year. They’re shooting over 50% from the field. While Luka averaging over 40 points a game helps, this duo looks like a real threat in the West for the next decade. However, the team still has its wrinkles. Despite strong star power, the bench remains unreliable. Injuries have made the situation worse, leaving them thin. Jake LaRavia has stepped up, and Marcus Smart has been solid, but beyond that, bench minutes are mainly about staying afloat. As a result, most of their games go down to the wire. Luka and Reaves are already averaging 38 minutes a game. This is a long-term concern for me, but tonight, it makes them a tough matchup for the Spurs.
The Spurs' success has been impressive so far. However, things aren’t all smooth in San Antonio. Injuries have already affected the team, which makes their success even more remarkable. We haven’t even seen Fox yet, and now Harper is out for some time, so the point guard position is looking thin. That, however, has left the reins in the hands of Stephon Castle, who has been looking stellar this year. Pairing him with Wemby has created a dynamic duo. Defensively, this team is intimidating with Wemby in the paint. That man can alter a shot from a mile away from the shooter. When he’s in the paint, the rim becomes a no-fly zone. That will be crucial for the Spurs tonight against Luka and Reaves. The issue is the lack of depth beyond Wemby right now. It looks like both Kornet and Olynyk are out tonight. That leaves just Mismack Biyombo or the rookie Carter Bryant to fill in at the five. Still, the team remains dangerous.
This matchup should be solid. Despite the injuries, the Spurs appear to be the more interesting team. The Lakers won’t be able to feed the post tonight and lack a matchup for Wemby either. Ayton has improved in the post for LA, but he’s not known for lockdown defense. If he can’t stop Wemby, it could be a tough night for LA. That’s why I’m leaning toward the Spurs moneyline tonight, the over on 227.5 points, and the +2.5 spread for San Antonio.
Money line: SAS (+114) / LAL (-135)
Total Points: 227.5
Spread: +2.5 SAS (-110) / -2.5 LAL (-110)
Wembanyama has been spectacular this year. His defense still remains top in the NBA, but his offense has become frightening. He’s no longer afraid to drop his shoulder and create contact. And with that 7’5 frame, it’s almost impossible to stop him. Combine that with his jump shooting as another threat, and this man has been incredible this season. Considering the Lakers’ post defense isn’t anything noteworthy, Wemby could have a monster game in LA tonight.
After missing a game against the Blazers, Luka is back in LA tonight. After a hot start, it looks like there isn’t a team in the league that can slow Luka down. Even with Wemby guarding the paint tonight, Luka will likely find a way to get his. Especially with the Spurs already down multiple defenders, anytime Wemby isn’t on the court with Luka, he’s scoring. Averaging 41 points a game this season so far, 33 is right in his wheelhouse again.
Castle has been looking great after his rookie of the year campaign last year. Now, with Harper out as well, the Spurs are running low on guards. So, expect to see Castle on the floor nearly the entire night. He’s already averaging 6 rebounds so far this year, and has gone over this line in every game but one. Since he should be on the court for 34+ minutes tonight, he has a good chance to do it again.
LaRavia has been a fun little side story on the bench in recent games. He has really stepped into his own while playing limited minutes. His scoring and especially his driving skills have been impressive over the past few games. Now averaging 12 points a game, he has scored over 10 points in five of his last six games. The over looks promising again for LaRavia.