Venue: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
Broadcast: MNMT, FDSSW, NBA League Pass
The San Antonio Spurs (18-7) host the Washington Wizards (4-20) in a cross-conference matchup that pits one of the league’s rising contenders against its clear bottom-feeder. San Antonio, led by Victor Wembanyama’s sophomore dominance, continues to surge in the Western Conference playoff picture, while Washington remains mired in a prolonged rebuild with little positive momentum. This is the first meeting of the 2025-26 season, with the Spurs heavily favored to deliver a comfortable home victory.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Afternoon – Subject to Game-Time Decisions)
Washington Wizards:
Kyle Kuzma (left ankle sprain): Out
Malcolm Brogdon (right hamstring): Out
Saddiq Bey (knee recovery): Out
Tristan Vukcevic (G League assignment): Out
Core young players like Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Bub Carrington expected available; Jordan Poole carries heavy offensive load.
San Antonio Spurs:
Devin Vassell (foot soreness): Probable
Jeremy Sochan (back tightness): Questionable
Keldon Johnson (shoulder): Probable
Mostly healthy; Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul, Stephon Castle, and Harrison Barnes all full participants.
Wizards significantly depleted in scoring depth; Spurs near full strength, amplifying the talent gap.
Key Player Matchups
Victor Wembanyama vs. Alex Sarr/Alexandre Poole Frontcourt: Wembanyama’s unicorn skill set (~28 PPG, 11 RPG, 4 BPG, elite spacing) overwhelms Washington’s rookie bigs; Sarr’s length provides resistance but lacks experience.
Chris Paul vs. Jordan Poole: CP3’s veteran mastery (top-5 assist/TO ratio) dissects Wizards’ poor perimeter defense; Poole’s scoring bursts (~22 PPG) tested by Spurs’ switching.
Stephon Castle vs. Bilal Coulibaly: Castle’s two-way rookie impact vs. Coulibaly’s athletic defense—key battle for transition control.
Harrison Barnes/Keldon Johnson vs. Wizards Wings: Spurs’ veteran forwards exploit mismatches for efficient mid-range and corner threes.
Bench/Rebounding: Spurs dominate glass with Wembanyama anchoring; Wizards struggle with second-chance points.
Game likely features Spurs’ pace control, paint dominance, and defensive stifling—turnovers could pile up for Washington.
Team Records and Standings Context
San Antonio Spurs: 18-7 (Top-4 Western Conference). Emerging contenders behind Wembanyama’s MVP-level play.
Washington Wizards: 4-20 (Last in Eastern Conference). Clear lottery focus amid ongoing rebuild.
Recent Team Form
Spurs: Winners of 8 of last 10, including dominant 128-110 win over New Orleans (Dec 15) and 115-102 vs. Dallas (Dec 13). Balanced offense (top-8 efficiency), elite defense (Wembanyama effect), holding opponents under 105 PPG recently.
Wizards: Lost 12 of last 14, including 118-95 blowout at Cleveland (Dec 16) and 112-98 home defeat to Boston (Dec 14). Offensive struggles without Kuzma/Brogdon; defense league-worst.
Spurs peaking at home; Wizards in prolonged slump with poor road play.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Spurs lead 112-74.
Recent (Last 10): Spurs 7-3, often by double digits.
2025-26 Season: First meeting.
At Frost Bank Center: Spurs dominant (won last 6 vs. Wizards in SA, average margin 18+ points).
Betting Trends
Spurs excellent ATS at home (10-3); covering large numbers vs. weak teams.
Wizards poor as big road dogs; unders cashing heavily in their games (offense stagnant).
Sharp volume on under due to defensive disparity and Wizards’ depletion.
Game Odds
Washington Wizards 241.5
San Antonio Spurs – 15.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
