Spurs Host Suns in Rematch with Playoff Implications
The San Antonio Spurs (51-18, 2nd in Western Conference) host the Phoenix Suns (39-30, 7th in Western Conference) on Thursday at Frost Bank Center (8 p.m. ET, League Pass).
The Spurs have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the All-Star break and enter this game on the heels of a three-game winning streak, following a 134-102 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.1 The Suns are on the opposite spectrum, and while they remain alive in the race for a Play-In berth, they head to San Antonio following three losses in a row after a 116-104 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.1
Key Storylines
Slowing Down Victor Wembanyama
The challenge for the Suns will be containing Victor Wembanyama. Since the All-Star break, Wembanyama is averaging 23.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 4.0 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 14 contests.1 He is similarly accurate from three-point range, shooting 35.1 percent from deep in that span.1 Minimizing his impact will require a perfect defensive game from the Suns, both individually and in coverage.
Devin Booker’s Scoring Surge
Devin Booker has been on a scoring tear, with 34 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Timberwolves marking the sixth time he’s surpassed 30 points in his last seven appearances.1 He has also scored at least 27 points in eight straight games, despite recently returning from missing four consecutive games and 12 of 15 between January 25 and February 26.1 The Suns, currently ranking 18th in offensive rating this season and 20th after the All-Star break, will need Booker to maintain this level of play to bolster their playoff push.1
Spurs’ Pursuit of the Thunder
San Antonio has experienced a remarkable turnaround this season. After missing the playoffs in the 2024-25 campaign, the Spurs are now contending for the top spot in the Western Conference.2 Since the All-Star break, the Spurs rank first in offensive rating (121.4), second in net rating (12.3), third in assist percentage (70.3), and first in assist ratio (21.4).1 If the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to struggle offensively, and the Spurs maintain their current pace (13-2 since the All-Star break), a shakeup at the top of the Western Conference standings is possible.1
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