Spurs vs Rockets Preview: Wembanyama Aims for Two-Win Streak, Can Shenjing Revive and Lead Rockets to Revenge?

At 8:00 AM on October 29, the NBA regular season continues as the San Antonio Spurs host the Houston Rockets for their second consecutive matchup. The Spurs won the first game at home.

The Spurs bolstered their roster this summer with the addition of veteran players Paul and Barnes, aiming to make a breakthrough in the new season. However, they suffered a significant loss to the Mavericks in the opening game. Fortunately, they managed to secure a win against the Rockets in the second game, bringing their record to 1-1. From the two games so far, it’s clear that the Spurs have a long way to go, as their lineup needs further integration. The chemistry between Paul and his teammates has yet to fully develop. The team’s overall offensive efficiency has been poor, averaging only 109 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league.

Wembanyama’s form is gradually improving. He scored 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in the last game against the Rockets, showcasing his capabilities. This time, he aims to lead the team to a two-game winning streak. However, Paul is still in the process of integrating into the team, scoring only 6 points in two games with very low offensive efficiency. At 39 years old, his primary role is now more about organizing the team rather than scoring. On the other hand, Barnes has adapted quickly, averaging 14 points with a 50% three-point shooting accuracy, significantly enhancing the team’s forward line.

The Rockets made minimal changes to their roster this summer, adding only the third overall pick, Shephard, while maintaining the core duo of Shenjing and Jalen Green. After three games in the new season, the Rockets have a 1-2 record, losing two games that they had chances to win. In the opening game against the Hornets, they led by 18 points but were overturned in the second half. In the most recent game, they narrowly lost to the Spurs by 3 points, missing multiple opportunities to take the lead in the final moments. Their ability to capitalize on these opportunities remains a key area for improvement.

In the previous game against the Spurs, rookie center Shenjing was benched by head coach Udoka in the fourth quarter and did not play at all. Post-game, Udoka commented, “He played somewhat roughly and couldn’t keep up with the team’s pace.” As they face the Spurs again, it will be crucial to see if Shenjing can bounce back. If he can provide consistent contributions, it will be highly beneficial for the Rockets. Green has been in good form this season, averaging 26.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. His next challenge is to find ways to lead the team to more victories.

This is the second meeting between the two teams this season and their second consecutive matchup within three days. The Spurs won the first game, and now it remains to be seen if the Rockets can achieve revenge. Additionally, the altercation between Wembanyama and Brooks in the last game adds another layer of tension, making it a focal point to watch.

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