Can San Antonio Spurs make the Play-In tournament this season?

Will San Antonio Spurs’ recent form secure a Play-In spot?

NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers

Feb 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) gets the rebound against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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Spurs’ Play-In Prospects: A Closer Look

As the San Antonio Spurs continue their season, the buzz around their potential to make the play-in tournament is growing. I’m Jeff Garcia, your go-to source for all things Spurs, and today we’re diving into why this team might just surprise everyone.

Spurs’ Play-In Potential

The Spurs have been flirting with the idea of making it to the play-in tournament, and I believe they have a real shot. Despite Vegas projecting them to win around 35-36 games, the Spurs are currently on a three-game winning streak and are above .500. Their defensive and offensive ratings are improving, placing them in the top percentile of the league defensively. This is impressive, especially considering they’ve been without key players like Victor Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan for the season.

The Spurs have shown resilience, returning late in games and not wilting under pressure. This grit and determination could be enough to push them into the play-in mix. While it’s still early in the season, and we’re only 17 games in, the signs are promising. The Spurs are playing like a team that could make noise as the season progresses.

Key Players Stepping Up

Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes are two names that stand out in the Spurs’ recent success. Their professionalism and leadership have been invaluable. Barnes, for instance, has been mentoring younger players like Keldon Johnson, emphasizing the importance of not giving any momentum to the opposition. This veteran presence is crucial in guiding the team through tough games and helping them win.

The Spurs have also benefited from the struggles of other Western Conference teams. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans have not found their rhythm, providing the Spurs with an opportunity to capitalize and secure a play-in spot. While it’s still early, and we need to see how the team performs over the next 20 games, the potential is there.

The Spurs’ current trajectory is encouraging, but it’s important to remain cautious. The sample size is small, and consistency will be key. A play-in spot is within reach if they can maintain their current form and continue to improve.

For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ play-in prospects, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.

Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:

- Analysis of the Spurs’ game against the Utah Jazz

- Discussion on the impact of injuries on the team’s performance

- Insights into the Spurs’ upcoming schedule and key matchups

- A look at the contributions of role players like Charles Bassey and Malaki Branham

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