Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Chicago Bulls

There is no place like home. This is especially true for the San Antonio Spurs. The silver and black are 8-4 at The Frost Bank Center and 3-6 on the road. After another tough loss Phoenix Suns which eliminated them from NBA Cup contention, the Spurs will head back to San Antonio to get back on track against the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls have struggled in a weaker Eastern Conference. Their defense gives up the most points in the NBA. They make up for it with the fourth highest points per game and number one in pace of play in the league. Chicago will try to play fast and get a lot of shots from deep, hoping to outscore their opponent rather than shut them down.

Spurs will be without their big star, Victor Wembanyama, who is out for this game with a back injury after a heavy fall against the Suns. San Antonio will rely on a supporting cast that has played well without their big star. Look for Chris Paul, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell to step up in Wembanyama’s place as San Antonio tries to bounce back from their last loss.

December 5, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. CT

See: FanDuel Southwest | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: Victor Wembanyama – Out (Back), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Tre Jones – Out (shoulder)

Bulls injuries: Lonzo Ball – Out (knee), Josh Giddey – Questionable (ankle), Coby White – Out (ankle), Patrick Williams – Out (foot), EJ Liddell – Out (G League), Adama Sanogo – Out (G League), DJ Steward – Out (G League)

What to watch out for

Center production

San Antonio hasn’t received much production from its backup centers in the last few games. Collins has been cold in the last three games, but was quite productive as a starter when Wembanyama missed time, averaging 16.7 points and 6 rebounds. Bassey also played well when Wembanyama was out, providing energy and physicality from the bench. The Spurs will need both big men to hold their own against Chicago.

Perimeter shooting

It’s no secret that the Spurs were ice cold in their last game against the Suns. They shot just over 18% from three in the loss. Before that game, San Antonio shot a respectable 35.8% from deep. Meanwhile, the Bulls are 6th in the NBA in three point percentage at 38.1%. The Bulls like to run and shoot, so the Spurs will have to make their fair share of deep shots to keep up with Chicago’s offense.

Devin Vassell’s scoring

Vassell has been on a heater since returning from a brief stint on the injury report. He had 25 points against the Suns and 21 points in the previous game against the Sacramento Kings. It doesn’t matter where he shoots from, the paint, the midrange or from three, the ball finds the bottom of the net. Without Wembanyama, Vassell will have to become the focal point of San Antonio’s offensive attack.