| San Antonio Spurs |
Head-to-Head |
Toronto Raptors
|
| Gregg Popovich |
Head Coach |
Nick Nurse |
| 14-21 (11th in West) |
Standing |
16-17 (10th in East) |
| L-L-L-W |
Form |
W-W-L-L |
| 110.5 (13th of 30) |
Off Rtg |
110.8 (10th of 30) |
| 109.3 (17th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
110.6 (21st of 30) |
| 100.3 (3rd of 30) |
Pace |
96.2 (26th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| D. Murray (17.8) |
PPG |
F. Vanvleet (20.9) |
| J. Poeltl (8.5) |
RPG |
P. Siakam (8.4) |
| D. Murray (8.8) |
APG |
F. Vanvleet (6.7) |
| D. Murray (2.0) |
SPG |
G. Trent Jr. (2.0) |
| J. Poeltl (1.4) |
BPG |
S. Barnes (1.0) |
| J. Landale (.618)/D. Murray (7.5) |
FG%/FGM |
K. Birch (.529)/P. Siakam (7.7) |
| K. Johnson (.449)/D. McDermott (2.1) |
3P%/3PM |
F. Vanvleet (.400)/F. Vanvleet (3.5) |
Injury Report
| Player |
Team |
Date |
Status |
Info |
| Zach Collins |
San Antonio Spurs |
2 Oct 2021 |
Out (Ankle) |
Head Coach Gregg Popovich said the timetable for Collins’ return is “after Christmas”. |
| Devontae Cacok |
San Antonio Spurs |
29 Dec 2021 |
Out (Health & Safety) |
Cacok has been placed under league health & safety protocols. |
| Doug McDermott |
San Antonio Spurs |
1 Jan 2021 |
Out (Health & Safety) |
McDermott has been placed under league health & safety protocols. |
| Lonnie Walker |
San Antonio Spurs |
1 Jan 2021 |
Out (Health & Safety) |
Walker has been placed under league health & safety protocols. |
| Keita Bates-Diop |
San Antonio Spurs |
2 Jan 2021 |
Day to Day (Hamstring) |
Bates-Diop did not play in San Antonio’s Saturday (Jan 1) game. |
| Dejounte Murray |
San Antonio Spurs |
2 Jan 2021 |
Day to Day (Conditioning) |
Murray did not play in San Antonio’s Saturday (Jan 1) game. |
| Goran Dragic |
Toronto Raptors |
30 Nov 2021 |
Out (Personal) |
There is no timetable for Dragic to return to the Toronto Raptors. |
| David Johnson |
Toronto Raptors |
2 Jan 2022 |
Day to Day (Calf) |
Johnson did not play in Toronto’s Sunday (Jan 2) game against the Knicks. |
How Can the Spurs Beat the Raptors?
The San Antonio Spurs are similar to the Toronto Raptors in many ways. However, when the two teams go head-to-head, the Spurs will need to be efficient in the weakest facet of their game.
The Raptors are 25th in the league in three-point defence, while the Spurs are 29th in three-point field goals per game. On the bright side, San Antonio are tenth overall in three-point shooting efficiency at 35.7% per game.
The hope for the Spurs is that their three-point efficiency will be maintained should the attempt rate go up due to the Raptors defence. If they can’t convert on their opportunities, it’ll be another in the loss column.
Spurs Key Player: (G) Bryn Forbes
Despite the Spurs’ recent heartbreaking loss to the Pistons, San Antonio found consolation in the play of veteran shooter Bryn Forbes. Against a Raptors team that love to give up the three-point shot, Forbes could thrive again.
In his last game against the Pistons, Forbes posted 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Shooting 5 of 10 from three-point range, Forbes was integral to the Spurs’ success on offence.
With so many key players unavailable, Forbes must make an impact as San Antonio’s best veteran off the bench. His scoring support will do wonders for San Antonio’s chances.
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How Can the Raptors Beat the Spurs?
Despite San Antonio’s standing, the Raptors have no right to look past the Spurs. Still one of the league’s most disciplined defences, Toronto must try to outpace San Antonio early.
The San Antonio Spurs actually have one of the highest pace offences in the NBA, despite being one of the poorer shooting teams. They’re young and athletic, something the Raptors can relate to.
In their last game, a win over the Knicks, the Raptors got out of the gate early and built up too great of a lead for the Knicks to come back. By limiting half-court chances and pushing the break, the Raptors can avoid the Spurs’ tricky defence.
Raptors Key Player: (G) Fred Vanvleet
Here come the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference playoff race and none other than Fred Vanvleet leads them. The diminutive point guard may not get the plaudits of the masses, but his performance this season is the main reason why the Raptors are still in the playoff hunt.
In their 120-105 victory over the New York Knicks, Vanvleet was immense. The Raptors guard posted 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in just 30 minutes of play. Most of his good work came in the third quarter, where he scored 19 of his 35 on 6 of 8 shooting from the field.
As Vanvleet’s success goes, as does the Raptors. The Spurs have a cagey perimeter defence designed to contain capable three-point shooters. If Vanvleet can navigate San Antonio’s defence and find success on offence, it’ll be a good night for the Raptors.
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