After a summer time of shake-ups, the San Antonio Spurs lastly tipped off their preseason on Sunday. From the opening minutes, the Houston Rockets (1-0) rapidly took off with the lead, by no means permitting San Antonio to get shut. On Thursday, the Spurs (0-1) look to bounce again towards an Orlando Magic (0-1) workforce that’s coming off of a lack of their very own. Each groups are projected to be among the many worst information this season, organising for an fascinating contest within the Alamo Metropolis.
Tips on how to Watch the Spurs vs Magic Preseason Sport
- When: Thursday, October 6, 2022
- Begin Time: 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST
- Location: AT&T Heart – San Antonio, Texas
- Tips on how to Watch: San Antonio Spurs Official App (free)
San Antonio Spurs Preview
The Spurs knew coming into this season that plenty of issues have been going to be totally different. In the course of the offseason, followers noticed All-Star Dejounte Murray get traded to the Atlanta Hawks together with heart Jock Landale. Shortly after that, the workforce launched 2018 first-round decide Lonnie Walker IV who rapidly signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. This all mixed with the continued lack of assistant coach Becky Hammon who simply coached the WNBA Las Vegas Aces to their first title. The summer time was a season of change, sending the workforce into one of the crucial pivotal moments the franchise has confronted in many years.
Sunday’s loss had its vibrant moments. Within the absence of Murray and Walker, and with Keldon Johnson and Joshua Primo sidelined, third-year guard/ahead Devin Vassell really stepped up. Enjoying in simply the primary half, he showcased a extra offensively aggressive method, in the end main the Spurs in scoring with 13 factors.
The followers additionally bought their first seems on the new class of rookies, all of whom performed at the least 14 minutes. Malaki Branham stood out with an environment friendly recreation, connecting on 4 of his 5 makes an attempt, two of three from the perimeter, for 10 factors. Offseason acquisition Isaiah Roby had himself fairly the night time as nicely, totaling 10 factors as nicely. He stuffed the employees sheet with 5 rebounds, two steals, and a pair of assists. Make sure to control the continued alternatives for the rookies, in addition to the Spurs’ starting point guard position battle.
Orlando Magic Preview
During the last 10 seasons, the Magic have reached the NBA postseason simply twice. The 2018-2019 marketing campaign is the franchise’s just one with a profitable report throughout that stretch, posting a 42-40 mark. Regardless of possessing a excessive lottery decide virtually yearly, the losses haven’t amounted to wins. The workforce is hoping that modifications because of its greatest win in years – the chance to seize Paolo Banchero with the highest total decide this previous summer time. Orlando was capable of comparatively cling with the playoff-bound Memphis Grizzlies of their preseason opener on Monday. Whereas a powerful fourth quarter offered a dose of positivity. the Magic in the end fell in Memphis 109-97.
It was a tough displaying on the hardwood for Banchero who actually struggled to search out his shot. He related on simply two of his 9 photographs from the ground whereas committing 4 turnovers in practically 24 minutes of motion. The Magic have been led by Cole Anthony who bought his third season began off nicely. He led his workforce with 17 factors, connecting on 60 % of his photographs, and scoring 12 factors from past the arc. Orlando’s bench appeared sturdy, contributing 52 factors, with a 15-point contribution from Moritz Wagner who was an authorized bucket hitting 71 % from the ground and 66 % from deep.
All eyes can be on Banchero Thursday in San Antonio as Magic followers hope he can discover his rhythm. In opposition to an undersized Spurs unit, the Duke product ought to discover success within the paint early, permitting him to construct confidence. With plenty of size from Banchero, Wendall Carter Jr., Mo Wagner, and former Texas Longhorn Mo Bamba, the Magic may construct a lead down low early, permitting them to work on their capturing with a cushty lead.
Spurs vs Magic Odds
Regardless of enjoying at dwelling, the Spurs are a +130 underdog towards the Magic (-150). The sportsbooks are projecting an in depth recreation as evidenced by the three-point unfold. San Antonio has won the last five match-ups between the 2 squads, relationship again to 2020, and so they haven’t been notably shut. Given the Spurs’ expertise dump over the summer time, mixed with their present accidents, San Antonio is in a troublesome spot. Orlando simply has extra expertise accessible and will cowl the unfold and finish the shedding streak.
Spurs vs Magic Pre-Sport Damage Report
San Antonio Spurs Injuries
- Josh Primo (SG) – Day-to-Day
- Keldon Johnson (SF) – Day-to-Day
Orlando Magic Injuries
- Gary Harris (SG) – Day-to-Day
- Jonathan Isaac (PF) – Day-to-Day
- Markelle Fultz (PG) – Day-to-Day
- Admiral Schofield (SF) – Day-to-Day
