Today, San Antonio heads to the city of brotherly love, but for some competition against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Spurs are 1-1 after their win against the Indians Pacers last night.
The 76ers are supposed to be fully loaded sending the hounds at the Spurs’ young core up against the likes of Joel Embiid and James Harden. Don’t let the age fool you though; Philadelphia still looks to redeem itself from an 0-2 record to start the season.
How to watch the Spurs vs. 76ers
- When: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
- Start Time: 5 PM CT
- Location: Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- How to Watch: Bally Sports Southwest
- Radio: WOAI 1200AM
The Sixers are favored by 13.5 tonight against the Spurs.
The Spurs enter 1-1 as underdogs.
I don’t see anyone on the Sixers’ injury report.
The Spurs have until this afternoon to submit their injury report since they’re on the 2nd night of a back-to-back.
— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) October 22, 2022
This is San Antonio’s first season without former point guard Dejounte Murray who now resides with the Atlanta Hawks. This leaves the Spurs to learn how to move in harmony on the court again.
San Antonio Spurs In Their First 2 Games
This is the official start to the rebuild for the organization, but that doesn’t mean giving up easy for vets Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jakob Poeltl, and Tre Jones. After their rough season opening the Spurs showed their true colors as a competitive bunch.
The concern for most fans isn’t the starting 5 right now, it’s the bench. Will they be able to keep the momentum against a dominant team such as the 76ers; with arguably one of the best defenders in the league Joel Embiid?
In the last two games, James Harden has dropped at least 30 points. Last night against the Pacers shooting star Josh Richardson knocked down a smooth 27. However, can he be consistent enough as a shooter to execute starts at that level multiple nights in a row?
If possible, with Johnson and Vassell’s continuous addition of at least 42 points together, what the Spurs lack on the defensive end they can make up for in shooting capability to remain in the fight.
Keldon joins Devin and Richardson in the 20-point scoring club tonight pic.twitter.com/45OCGYHAwI
— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) October 22, 2022
The 76ers Are Coming In At 0-2
The concerns related to the east coast team are in a different category. They are considered to be strong playoff contenders, but the question is how far they will go with the new addition of shooting guard James Harden.
The Philadelphia team hasn’t had a buttery start to the season. Their first two matchups began with the former 2021 NBA champions the Milwaukee Bucks; then the defending Eastern Conference Champions the Boston Celtics. They have fallen short to both.
Although there were ups to these games such as Harden dropping 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Celtics, or Embiid’s double-digit rebounds in both games; there are still wrinkles to iron out.
Conclusion
The goal tonight for the Spurs, if not a win, is to remain in the game. Keeping the gap close and showing themselves as contenders. This will be the most developed team they have faced this far, so hopefully, this can answer the early questions fans have about where Spurs stand against a more mature team.
Who do you believe wins in this Spurs vs. 76ers matchup?
