The San Antonio Spurs will wrap up their road trip tonight in Los Angeles vs. the Lakers after suffering an 18 point against the Clippers. This will be game one of a trilogy against the LA team that will continue in back-to-back games this weekend in San Antonio. The Spurs (6-11) were obviously not expected to be champions this year, however, no one saw them having a better standing in the West than the Lakers (4-10). This year has been a journey for both organizations defending the legacies that came before them. Once again the assumption for victory is hard to make when both teams are lacking valuable assets.
Game day in LA!@spurs vs. @Lakers
⏰ 8:00 pm
📺 Bally Sports Southwest
📲 Bally Sports App#GoSpursGoThere's a new option to watch the Spurs. Learn More: https://t.co/imiMXtq4Cr pic.twitter.com/tt8QIgy7xp
— Bally Sports San Antonio (@BallySportsSA) November 20, 2022
How To Watch Spurs vs. Lakers
Where: Los Angeles, Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Bally Sports Southwest App
Listen: WOAI/KXTN radio
Time: 8:30 PM CT
The Spurs have been developing a culture of “if you’re open, shoot” at the three-point line. Point Guard Tre Jones is sitting at the highest three-point percentage of his professional career at 38%. A versatile guard, Jeremy Sochan is being encouraged to put up more shots. Then you have supporting shooters in Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson. This all follows snipers Devin Vassell (42.2%) and Keldon Johnson (41.4%) who currently sit fourth on the list for most three-pointers made this season by a player.
Why is this important? Well because the LA Laker’s achilles heel has been having no shooters. The Spurs can’t rest on this theory completely. However, if they can defend the paint strongly enough to force more mid-range shots out of the Lakers then they have an elevated chance of a win.
Odds
Odds are subject to change, and courtesy of BetMGM.
Moneyline: Spurs +220 | Lakers -275
Spread: Spurs +7.5
Over/Under: 229.5
Spurs vs. Lakers Preview
Tonight will also be the first meeting between Laker Lonnie Walker and his former franchise. Walker is averaging 16 points per game; 19 when at home, two rebounds, and one assist. According to a report in Lakers Nation, Walker has been shooting 51.5% from the three in the last six games. Lonnie says his newfound confidence is from his teammates who are continually instilling confidence in him and encouraging his aggression on the court.
I have said before to fans concerned about the draft, the “tank” will take care of itself. That’s because underneath all the chemistry and luck they fight the battle of consistency, and inevitably, lack of experience. My concern isn’t in whether the Spurs lose; it’s in what fashion. The gentlemen men pride themselves on being a team that can compete against anyone, yet without their key players, the tower of cards seems to fall. Tonight the goal would be to not succumb to the challenges in the paint. Communicating effectively so they aren’t dominated in a time of uncertainty will help limit turnovers. They have to make the Lakers play Spurs Ball.
