As the NBA’s 2023 draft lottery countdown ticked down in May, French phenom Victor Wembanyama appeared to celebrate when it became known that the Houston Rockets would not land the No. 1 overall pick in the first round (and with that, a chance to draft him).
One person who clearly took notice was Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 overall pick from the 2022 draft class.
Now, with Smith enjoying his own career breakout of late, he could have an opportunity to match up with Wembanyama in one of two preseason matchups on Monday and Wednesday in San Antonio. The Rockets and Spurs will also meet in the second game of the 2023-24 regular season on Friday, Oct. 27, making for three games between the teams in an 11-day span — all at the Frost Bank Center.
Unfortunately, any Wembanyama-Smith duel will have to wait until at least Wednesday, since the rookie is sitting out Monday for rest.
Per Spurs, three players will sit out tomorrow's preseason game vs Rockets:
Devin Vassell
Tre Jones
Victor Wembanyama— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) October 15, 2023
In recent years, the rivalry between the storied Texas franchises has been relatively dormant. During the 2022-23 season, both teams finished tied for last in the Western Conference with 22-60 records.
But with the Spurs landing Wembanyama in the 2023 draft and Houston boasting a young core comprised of Smith, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, the hope is that the rivalry could be revived in the near future.
Here’s our look at broadcast details and potential lineups for Monday’s exhibition matchup in San Antonio.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Oct. 16
- Time: 7 p.m. CDT
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Potential starting lineups
These lineups are primarily based on each team’s most recent game, with the exceptions of Thompson in place of Green and Keldon Johnson and Malaki Branham in place of Wembanyama and Devin Vassell (rest). Green is sitting out with what Rockets head coach Ime Udoka referred to Sunday as a toenail problem.
Houston Rockets (2-0 preseason)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Amen Thompson
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
San Antonio Spurs (1-1 preseason)
- Guard: Malaki Branham
- Guard: Cedi Osman
- Forward: Jeremy Sochan
- Forward: Keldon Johnson
- Center: Charles Bassey
Latest injury/status reports
Jalen Green out tomorrow with a “toenail” problem, per Ime Udoka
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) October 15, 2023
Per Spurs, three players will sit out tomorrow's preseason game vs Rockets:
Devin Vassell
Tre Jones
Victor Wembanyama— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) October 15, 2023
