Dallas Mavericks face the shorthanded San Antonio Spurs without Victor Wembanyama, aiming to snap a four-game skid in a key Southwest Division matchup.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will face a shorthanded San Antonio Spurs squad on Saturday night, hoping to snap a four-game losing streak. With both teams managing notable injuries, the Mavs will look to capitalize on San Antonio’s depleted lineup, including Victor Wembanyama being sidelined.
Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that Zach Collins will start in place of Wembanyama, who is now out with a right knee contusion. Charles Bassey is expected to get minutes off the bench to help fill the void in the frontcourt.
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“A little beat up right now,” Wembanyama said after Friday’s game. “I took a big hit. It’s just a hit. I didn’t twist nothing. This is not a big deal. So, if ever tomorrow it’s like horrible, of course I’ll be smart. But I should be alright.”
The Spurs will also be without Jeremy Sochan (left thumb surgery), Devin Vassell (right foot injury management), and two-way players David Duke Jr., Harrison Ingram, and Riley Minix.
San Antonio has leaned heavily on rookie guard Stephon Castle amid these injuries. Over his last five games, Castle has averaged 15.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 50.0% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc. Despite Castle’s promising play, the Spurs face an uphill battle with their limited roster.
The Mavericks have injury concerns of their own but are slightly healthier as P.J. Washington (right knee sprain) is returning to the lineup against San Antonio. Luka Dončić and Naji Marshall (illness) are game-time decisions. Dallas remains without Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) and Jazian Gortman (G League).
Both teams enter the matchup following losses, with the Mavericks falling to the Utah Jazz and the Spurs losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Cup play.
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