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Let’s begin with a question: Is Victor Wembanyama the backbone of the San Antonio Spurs? Last night a 139-124 defeat to the Chicago Bulls highlighted Spurs’ challenge without Wembanyama. The Bulls, led by Nikola Vucevic’s 39 points, dominated the game. Although Keldon Johnson added 28 points with Devin Vassell adding 17 points, but looks like Spurs needed their Frenchman.

However, now as the Spurs face the Sacramento Kings today, the big question is: Will Wembanyama return to action, or will his absence linger? Let’s find out.

Is Victor Wembanyama playing against the Kings? What does the injury report say?

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The Spurs superstar is in “day-to-day” status against the Kings. He sustained a back injury against the Suns when he fell hard, as Bradley Beal drew a charge on one of his drives. It’s not clear if that exact moment caused the injury, but the soreness is enough to keep him sidelined. As a result, he missed the following match against the Bulls, and his status being questionable makes fans worried. With that said, let’s look into other injuries the team is navigating their way through. Their young center, Tre Jones is “out” due to his left shoulder injury. The hooper sustained the injury against the Kings on Monday as he got hit early in the fourth quarter. However, this will be his third straight match to be missing out.

Devin Vassell will also be “out” due to right foot injury management. He underwent an off-season surgery to repair his foot injury that was sustained last season with a stress fracture in the third metatarsal of his right foot. With that, the Spurs injury report comes to an end.

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Spurs survive without Wembanyama, or is he truly their indispensable backbone?

Have an interesting take?

On the other hand, the Kings’ injury report looks good as there is only one player injured. Trey Lyles remains “out” due to calf soreness sustained against OKC Thunder. He exited in the second quarter, and an MRI later revealed a grade 1 right calf strain. The team announced that he would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks.

With the injury reports complete, let’s take a closer look at the depth charts for both teams heading into this matchup.

Depth chart and potential lineups: Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs

Spurs’ Depth Chart:

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 —
PGChris PaulBlake WesleyStephon CastleMalaki BranhamJeremy Sochan
SGStephon CastleDevin Vassell (O)Malaki BranhamBlake WesleyJulian Champagnie
SFHarrison BarnesJulian ChampagnieKeldon JohnsonMalaki BranhamDevin Vassell (O)
PFJeremy SochanKeldon JohnsonHarrison BarnesSandro MamukelashviliJulian Champagnie
CVictor Wembanyama (DD)Zach CollinsCharles BasseySandro MamukelashviliJeremy Sochan

Kings’ Depth Chart:

 —
PGDe’Aaron FoxMalik MonkJordan McLaughlinKeon EllisDevin Carter (O)
SGMalik MonkKevin HuerterKeon EllisColby JonesJordan McLaughlin
SFDeMar DeRozanKevin HuerterColby JonesKeegan MurrayKeon Ellis
PFKeegan MurrayJae CrowderDeMar DeRozanIsaac JonesDoug McDermott
CDomantas SabonisIsaac JonesAlex LenOrlando RobinsonTrey Lyles (O)

Please Note: DD and O means Day-to-day and Out, respectively.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks potential lineups could be:

Cleveland CavaliersWashington Wizards
PGChris PaulDe’Aaron Fox
SGStephon CastleMalik Monk
SFHarrison BarnesDeMar DeRozan
PFJeremy SochanKeegan Murray
CVictor Wembanyama or Zach CollinsDomantas Sabonis

Head-to-head records of the last 10 Kings-Spurs’ games

H2H analysis allows us to dive deeper, giving us a clearer pattern in their rivalry. It highlights trends, such as which team has a better edge in specific situations. Below, we list the last ten games between the Spurs and Kings (7-3 record).

Date ScoreResult
2024/12/02125-127Spurs Win
2024/11/12116-96Spurs Win
2024/03/08131-129Kings Win
2024/02/23127-122Kings Win
2023/11/18129-120Kings Win
2023/04/03134-142Spurs Win
2023/02/02119-109Kings Win
2023/01/16132-119Kings Win
2022/11/18130-112Kings Win
2022/03/04115-112Kings Win

Now we know who’s been dominating. Who do you think will win tonight? Do let us know your predictions in the comment section below.

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Can the Spurs survive without Wembanyama, or is he truly their indispensable backbone?