Game preview: San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder

In three games, the San Antonio Spurs faced the former Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks and the young and spirited Houston Rockets. The road doesn't get much easier as they leave the state for the first time this season. The best of the West, Oklahoma City Thunder, awaits north of the Texas border.

The Spurs and Thunder have developed something of a rivalry lately. That's thanks to their lanky all-rounders Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Wembanyama got the better of Holmgren last year, but it was Chet's team that routinely dominated San Antonio. The Thunder are one of the best squads in the NBA that will pose another tough challenge for the Spurs.

San Antonio has shown after the first three games that it still has a lot to clean up. They haven't managed to get Wembanyama going yet, ball losses are still a big problem and the opposing teams have had good chances against them from deep. They need to improve in these key areas if they want to compete with the undefeated Thunder.

San Antonio Spurs (1-2) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)

October 30, 2024 | 8:30 p.m. CT

Watch: ESPN/Bally Southwest | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spore injuries: Devin Vassell – Out (Foot), Tre Jones – Out (Ankle), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)

Thunder injuries: Isaiah Hartenstein – Out (Hand), Nikola Topic – Out (Knee), Jaylin Williams – Out (Thigh), Kenrich Williams – Out (Knee)

What you should pay attention to:

Can Wembanyama get back on its feet?

Wembanyama struggled to find his rhythm at the start of the season. According to his voice in the post-game press conference on Monday night, he may be battling an illness. While the big man averages 20 points and 12 rebounds, he shoots an inefficient 42.9% from the field and 22.2% from three while turning the ball over 3.7 times per game. He was unable to find a flow in the Spurs' offense and the opposition's physicality forced him into some questionable shots.

Historically, Wembanyama has played against Holmgren. Last season it was clear that he was looking for an encounter with his big “rivals”. Maybe that motivation is all he needs to get back on track in OKC.

Reduction in sales

The Spurs have already committed 53 turnovers in 3 games and are averaging 17.7 giveaways per game. It's so hard to win when you routinely give your opponent free possession. San Antonio couldn't keep up offensively and too many of their players are loose with the basketball. On the other hand, OKC forces 20.7 turnovers per game and is the best team in the NBA at generating takeaways. Spurs will have to take care of the ball if they are to have a chance on Wednesday night.

Defend screens

Both Houston and Dallas dismantled the Spurs in screen play. Jalen Green got off to a hot start on Monday, fending off pin-downs, zoom action (pin-down into a handoff) and ball screens to get easy looks from deep. The Rockets' game-winning shot came on a miscommunicated exchange between Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson that left Fred VanVleet wide open for a three. Overall, the Spurs struggled to fend off screening actions.

Oklahoma City has so many offensive weapons that can hurt you, similar to Houston and Dallas. San Antonio needs to strengthen its defense if it wants to compete with the best teams in the Western Conference.