Spurs vs. Hornets GAMEDAY Preview: San Antonio Looks to Avoid Franchise-Low Skid
For a historic franchise with five Larry O'Brien trophies to their name, the San Antonio Spurs are on the precipice of breaking a lowly franchise record. Fortunately, the franchise and the proud people of San Antonio, the Spurs face the 16-43 Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center tonight.
Losers of 13 consecutive games, the Spurs have only fallen so far one other time in their existence (1988-1989 season). Despite enduring such a rough patch, LaMelo Ball's team doesn't represent a roadblock for the Spurs. While the Spurs squandered a game vs. another lottery team in the Detroit Pistons, the Hornets don't have much working for them.
Dead last in offensive rating and 24th in effective goal percentage, clearly LaMelo Ball needs help.
Aside from the inefficient offense, the Hornets lack a few rotation players in Kelly Oubre Jr. (left hand surgery) and Cody Martin (left knee soreness). However, not to be outdone, San Antonio is no stranger to injury.
Tre Jones (left foot soreness), Romeo Langford (left adductor soreness), Isaiah Roby (right ankle sprain), and Devin Vassell (left knee surgery) will miss Wednesday's game. And another blow to the ailing Spurs, Doug McDermott (right achilles soreness) is listed as questionable against the Hornets.
As both teams battle injuries and overall inefficient play, the Spurs again have a puncher's chance at victory. Moreover, coming off a 25-point performance, which helped beat the spread against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Keldon Johnson plays a crucial role in saving the Spurs from an embarrassing record.
RECORDS: San Antonio Spurs (14-44), Charlotte Hornets (16-43)
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. CT
WHERE: Spectrum Center, (Charlotte, NC)
TV: Bally Sports Southwest, League Pass
RADIO: Spurs Radio WOAI 1200 AM
ODDS: The Charlotte Hornets are seven-point favorites over the San Antonio Spurs.
NEXT UP: The Spurs play the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. CT.
FINAL WORD: "No more G League," claimed Gregg Popovich of rookie Malaki Branham. In a rebuilding season where only moral victories exist in abundance, it's imperative for San Antonio to plant more seeds of the young prospects. Popovich sees the vision and continues the mission by commending Branham for his growth.
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