There’s no place like home. This is especially true for the San Antonio Spurs. The Silver and Black are 8-4 at Frost Bank Center and 3-6 on the road. After a tough loss to the Phoenix Suns that eliminated them from NBA Cup contention, the Spurs return to San Antonio to get back on track against the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls struggled in a weaker Eastern Conference. Their defense allows the most points in the NBA. They make up for it with the fourth-highest points per game and the fastest pace of play in the league. Chicago will look to play fast and take a lot of shots from deep in the hopes that they can outscore the opponent instead of shutting them out.

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

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

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

Spore 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 you should pay attention to

Center production

San Antonio hasn’t gotten great production from its backup centers in recent games. Collins has been cold the last three games, but has been fairly 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 off the bench. The Spurs will need both big men to survive 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 this game, San Antonio shot a respectable 35.8% from distance. The Bulls now rank 6th in the NBA at 38.1%. The Bulls love to run and shoot, so the Spurs will need to hit a lot of deep shots to keep up with Chicago’s offense.

Devin Vassell’s score

Vassell has been on the injury report at full speed since returning from a short stint. 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, from the outside line, from the middle distance or from the three-point distance, the ball ends up in the net. Without Wembanyama, Vassell will have to become the focal point of San Antonio’s offensive attack.