CaesarтАЩs. In 16 games without Victor Wembanyama this season, Keldon Johnson has cleared this rebound line a whopping 15 times, including 10 and 8 in two matchups against Portland. In 729 minutes this season without both Wemby and Stephon Castle on the floor, Johnson sees the biggest uptick in his rebounds with 6.4 per just 24 minutes. The Spurs do not have much to play for, so minutes could get wonky, but I do think this is worth a bet at plus odds.
The San Antonio Spurs have ruled out both Wemby and Stephon Castle for tonightтАЩs matchup against Portland. PortlandтАЩs latest outing was an overtime loss, but against a team in Denver that has the current best win streak in the NBA at nine games. We also have seen this Spurs lineup without Wemby against Portland. This occurred on January 3rd, when Portland handed San Antonio one of their seven home losses on the season. Grab the Trailblazers plus the points.
I often talk about fading the hot hand when a guy is performing above expectations, thus pointing towards regression. I believe that to be the case with Jrue here as weтАЩre getting a sizable number on this scoring line. This would certainly qualify as a difficult matchup as well, against a Spurs squad that is excellent limiting opposing guards in the scoring department.
DeтАЩAaron Fox has been quiet lately, averaging only 13.4 points over his last eight games. During that stretch, he averaged just 28 minutes and 12.1 shot attempts. Expect both of those numbers to increase dramatically Wednesday with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle both out for the Spurs. Over the last four games without Wembanyama, Fox scored 22, 27, 19 and 24 points, and that was with Castle playing in each of them. This is a great spot for Fox to thrive in the scoring column.
Hansen recorded 15 points (7-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt), nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 20 minutes during China's 83-57 win over Qatar in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Sharpe suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee and is expected to miss six months, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
Reed could have a hard time cracking San Antonio's Opening Night rotation.
Sharpe could face increased competition for offensive opportunities after Portland acquired Ja Morant, according to Robert Ohman of Willamette Week.
Camara should continue to play a major role following Portland's trade for Ja Morant, according to Robert Ohman of Willamette Week.
Avdija's outlook remains bright despite Portland's acquisition of Ja Morant, according to Robert Ohman of Willamette Week.
Jones Garcia (ankle) agreed to a two-way contract with the Spurs on Wednesday, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com.
Lee recorded nine points (3-6 FG, 3-5 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block across 26 minutes in Saturday's 86-81 Las Vegas Summer League win over the Suns.
Kelly (groin) provided 20 points (6-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), one rebound and one assist across 20 minutes during Saturday's 86-81 Las Vegas Summer League win over the Suns.
Reed (rest) won't play in Saturday's Summer League game against the Suns, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.
