Without Wemby, this opens up a lot of space, pace and opportunity for the former UConn product who is now the favorite to win rookie of the year. He’s hot, motivated and playing well.

The Spurs received crushing news Thursday that Victor Wembanyama (illness) will be out for the remainder of the season. That leaves De’Aaron Fox as the unquestioned focal point of their offense. This is a great matchup for him to take over the reigns because the Suns have the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league. When Fox was a member of the Kings, he posted at least 40 combined points, rebounds and assists both times that he played the Suns. Look for him to shine in this game.

What a total bummer that Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the season for the Spurs in a shocker. Was probably going to pass on this game knowing Wemby was doubtful previously (shoulder), and it hasn't really affected the immediate game line much (ML rose from -130 at DK) since he already was expected out, but now I think the Spurs will be gutted/flat. It's a shame for the league even if San Antonio wasn't a likely playoff team. The Spurs may as well tank now and with their big man luck will win the 2025 Draft lottery and pair Cooper Flagg with Wemby just like they tanked into their Hall of Fame previous big man duo of David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

Caesar’s. Stephon Castle finished the first half of the season on a high note. He cleared this line in 11 of his last 15 games, which includes each includes 4 of 5 with the newly acquired De’Aaron Fox. Even off the bench, I love this spot for him coming out of the break. Firstly, Victor Wembanyama is doubtful to play. And the matchup is sound against a Suns team that’s struggled against transition (24th - Castle’s preferred playtype).