San Antonio’s elite start meets a Golden State team without Stephen Curry in a key test of the Warriors’ scoring depth.
Friday’s matchup pits the 10-2 Spurs, ranked No. 2 in the power index, against the 8-4 Warriors, ranked No. 6. San Antonio is allowing 108 points per game, while Golden State averages 119.3; with Stephen Curry sidelined, the Warriors will need Yaxel Lendeborg, who has scored 260 points in 12 games, to help carry the offense. Victor Wembanyama has 363 points and 52 blocks through 12 games, making his presence at both ends a central challenge for Golden State. The matchup may turn on whether the Warriors can keep scoring against San Antonio’s defense while limiting Wembanyama’s impact; De’Aaron Fox’s questionable status is another variable for the Spurs.