Can the Spurs get a win against the defending NBA champs before an extended break?
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs (23-28) will visit the Boston Celtics (38-16) Wednesday night for the team’s sixth game on the 2025 Rodeo Road Trip, and their final matchup ahead of the All-Star break that will have plenty of Silver & Black representation.
San Antonio is 2-3 on the extended trip, having mostly visited opponents who are lower in the standings. That changes Wednesday: At 38-16, the Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference as they look to defend their NBA championship.
The Spurs, meanwhile, enter Wednesday three games out of a spot in the Play-In Tournament, looking up at the Warriors and Suns in the standings.
GAME REWIND
The Spurs are coming off a 131-121 road win over the Wizards, a game in which Victor Wembanyama (31 points, 15 rebounds) and De’Aaron Fox (30 points, six assists) paced the offense in a bounceback victory.
Rookie Stephon Castle finished with 16 points and one rebound, Keldon Johnson finished with four points, and Harrison Barnes tallied 12 points. Chris Paul had eight points and nine assists.
Devin Vassell recorded seven and three rebounds, and Jeremy Sochan added 14 points and five rebounds.
Assistant coach Mitch Johnson continues to assume acting head coaching duties while Gregg Popovich recovers from his November stroke. Charles Bassey did not suit up against Washington due to injury.
“I thought we did a really good job. A little shaky, and again, 40 minutes, you strive for perfection, but you know, there’s going to be a game of runs, and I was really proud of how we set it ourselves in the fourth quarter a few times,” Mitch Johnson said. “Now, we’re growing pains and ironing out things and then learning moments, and it’s a good sign when you can improve quickly in those moments.”
INJURY REPORT
Center Charles Bassey will be out again Wednesday due to his sprained knee.
Jaylen Brown, the Celtics’ second-leading scorer this season, is questionable to play due to right knee soreness. Jrue Holiday (11 points, 4.4 rebounds per game this season) and Xavier Tillman will be out for Boston.
THE UNIFORMS
The Spurs will be in their Statement Edition jerseys Wednesday.
LOCKED ON SPURS PREVIEWS SPURS-CELTICS
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. The Celtics have connected on more three-point shots than their opponent in seven consecutive games.
2. The Celtics have out-blocked their opponents in six straight games.
3. The Celtics are 14-4 at home when leading after the third period.
4. The Spurs are 4-5 versus the top eight teams in the East.
5. The Spurs are 10-20 versus playoff-bound teams this season.