SAN ANTONIO — The Oklahoma City Thunder (26-3) are facing off against the Spurs (21-7) in San Antonio on Tuesday night for the first time since their NBA Cup semifinals matchup earlier this month.
The Spurs handed OKC its second loss of the season the last time the two teams played each other, thanks to a big showing from Victor Wembanyama, who returned from a 12-game absence with 22 points and nine rebounds. Devin Vassell also poured in 23 points and De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle each finished with 22 points against the Thunder. The Spurs advanced to the NBA Cup Championship, where they eventually fell to the New York Knicks (20-8).
After OKC’s matchup against the Spurs on Dec. 13, the Thunder are 2-1 in their last three games, including a 119-103 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies (13-16) on Monday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points against the Grizzlies, marking his 100th consecutive game with at least 20 points, which is only second to Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the all-time record with 126.
The Thunder had several key players sidelined against the Grizzlies due to various reasons, including Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso. Ajay Mitchell also left the game in the fourth quarter for an undisclosed reason and did not return. This will be a big factor heading into tonight’s game against the Spurs as an injury report has yet to be released. For the Spurs, Wembanyama is listed as questionable against the Thunder due to left calf injury management.
The Thunder will need Holmgren and Hartenstein’s interior presence against the Spurs, especially if Wembanyama is on the court. The Thunder will also need to find ways to slow down players on the perimeter, such as Fox and Vassell, who both had big performances against OKC in their last matchup.
Tonight’s game tips off at 7:30 p.m. (CT) at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. These two teams will also meet again on Christmas Day in Oklahoma City for their third matchup this month.
Be sure to follow FOX23 this NBA season as we bring you the latest stories on the reigning NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder on air and online.