Jeff Garcia here, the host of the daily Locked On Spurs podcast, with your daily Locked On Spurs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Spurs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Can San Antonio Spurs make the Play-In tournament this season?
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
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
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
Preview The San Antonio Spurs face the Utah Jazz tonight. Check out the game preview for details on lineups, key matchups, and how to watch the action. (Pounding the Rock)
Injury Spurs fans eagerly await the return of Devin Vassell from injury. His potential comeback against the Lakers could significantly boost the team’s performance. (Pounding the Rock)
Celebrate Harrison Barnes continues his celebration as the Player of the Week, reflecting his stellar contributions to the Spurs’ recent successes. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
San Antonio Spurs-Knicks Christmas Day preview with Locked On Knicks
The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the NBA, thanks to rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. With impressive stats and a game-changing presence, Wembanyama is redefining the Spurs’ strategy. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, are gearing up for a thrilling Christmas Day showdown.
Spurs’ Trade Rumors: Is De’Aaron Fox San Antonio bound?
As rumors swirl about De’Aaron Fox potentially joining the San Antonio Spurs, fans are excitedly buzzing. This episode dives into the possibility of a Fox move, analyzing its impact on the Spurs’ strategy and rebuilding timeline.
Mitch Johnson’s future with San Antonio Spurs: Head Coach in waiting?
The San Antonio Spurs are at a crossroads, with Mitch Johnson emerging as a potential future head coach. As the team navigates coaching changes and Greg Popovich’s health concerns, the spotlight is on rookie sensation Stephon Castle and his impressive Rookie of the Year award bid.
