Spurs and Hornets Meet in Crucial Draft Pick Showdown

San Antonio, TX — The San Antonio Spurs will host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as both teams look to secure better positions in the 2025 NBA Draft. Injuries have plagued both rosters, with the Spurs notably missing Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, while the Hornets face significant losses, including Brandon Miller.

The matchup will be pivotal for two teams that find themselves in the midst of disappointing seasons. The Spurs (27-37) are coming off a narrow victory against the Dallas Mavericks but face steep challenges without their star rookie Wembanyama, who is sidelined due to deep vein thrombosis. Fox’s authorization for surgery on his injured finger essentially ends his season, reducing the Spurs’ chances of making a playoff push.

Meanwhile, the Hornets (16-49), currently holding the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference, are aiming to improve their draft position after a brief resurgence with wins against the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets in their last four outings. However, their injuries have compounded their difficulties, with Tre Mann, Josh Okogie, and Grant Williams all missing Friday’s game.

“At this point, we are just trying to finish the season strong,” said Hornets head coach Charles Lee. “We know the focus is on development, especially with the young players stepping up in the absence of our stars.”

This season has been a roller coaster for the Spurs, transitioning from early-season enthusiasm to the harsh realities of injuries. The latest phase, termed the ‘acceptance phase’ by observers, reflects their shift towards securing a valuable draft pick rather than competing for the playoffs.

Despite these challenges, the Spurs’ recent performance offers a glimmer of hope, particularly rookie Stephon Castle, who has emerged as a scoring leader. Castle recently scored a career-high 33 points in a previous meeting against the Hornets, indicating potential for further growth.

On the other side, Charlotte’s center Mark Williams is expected to shine in the rebounding department tonight, capitalizing on the Spurs’ struggles without Wembanyama. Williams has averaged 12.1 rebounds in his last seven games, providing a focal point for Charlotte’s hopes in the rebound game.

The odds for this evening’s matchup show the Hornets as 3.5-point underdogs, with a total set at 230.5. Recent statistics show both teams struggling offensively, creating a compelling case for a low-scoring game.

The teams are set to tip-off at 8:00 PM Eastern at the Frost Bank Center. Fans can tune in to the action on FanDuel Sports Network and NBA League Pass.