Spurs Face Magic with Wembanyama, Castle Both Questionable; Orlando Riding Momentum
The San Antonio Spurs are heading into tonight’s matchup against the Orlando Magic with a pair of key question marks: Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle are both listed as questionable for the game at Frost Bank Center. That’s two starters whose availability could swing the balance in what’s shaping up to be a high-energy contest.
Let’s take a look at where things stand heading into tip-off.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Spurs
- Victor Wembanyama (Calf) - Questionable: The rookie phenom has been a nightly highlight reel, and his presence-or absence-changes everything for San Antonio on both ends of the floor.
- Stephon Castle (Adductor) - Questionable: Castle’s defensive versatility and ability to initiate offense have been crucial for the Spurs’ young core.
- Jeremy Sochan (Quad) - Out: Sochan’s absence removes a physical presence and a key switchable defender from the rotation.
- David Garcia Jones - Out (G League)
Magic
- Franz Wagner (Ankle) - Out: Orlando will be without one of its most consistent two-way players.
- Colin Castelton - Out (G League)
Projected Starters
Spurs
- G: Stephon Castle
- G: De’Aaron Fox
- F: Julian Champagnie
- F: Devin Vassell
- C: Victor Wembanyama
Magic
- G: Anthony Black
- G: Jalen Suggs
- F: Desmond Bane
- F: Paolo Banchero
- C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Of course, if Wembanyama or Castle are ruled out closer to tip, expect some reshuffling in the Spurs’ lineup. That could mean expanded roles for guys like Tre Jones or Zach Collins, depending on how Coach Gregg Popovich decides to adjust.
Magic Enter Hot After Comeback Win
Orlando’s coming off an electric performance against the Raptors, where they flipped a 14-point second-half deficit into a 130-120 win. The fourth quarter? Pure fire.
Desmond Bane was the catalyst, dropping 16 of his 32 points in the final frame while shooting a blistering 7-of-10 from deep. Anthony Black added 25, Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 23, and Paolo Banchero nearly posted a 20-10-5 line. The Magic shot 51.3% from the field and knocked down 17 threes-numbers that tell you just how explosive this team can be when they’re clicking.
The Raptors actually led by 13 heading into the fourth quarter, but Orlando stormed back with a 21-5 run to open the period. They followed that with an 11-2 burst that effectively shut the door.
This is a young team that’s starting to find its identity-and more importantly, some rhythm.
What They’re Saying
Desmond Bane, on Orlando’s recent momentum:
“We’ve been talking about building, continuing to build especially heading into All-Star break.
… Just being intentional about what we want on both ends of the floor. … I think we trending in the right direction.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want from a veteran presence on a rising squad. Bane’s leadership, paired with his ability to stretch the floor, makes him a perfect fit alongside Orlando’s young core.
Wendell Carter Jr., on embracing his role:
“No matter if I was scoring points, getting rebounds, blocking shots… I just told myself come to this game, I’m going do whatever is needed to get this win tonight.”
Carter’s been that glue guy for Orlando-setting hard screens, crashing the glass, and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score but wins games.
Tip-Off Info
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
- Location: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
- TV: FanDuel Sports
- Betting Line: Magic +5.5
What to Watch
- If Wembanyama plays, all eyes will be on how he matches up with Carter Jr. and Banchero. His rim protection and shot creation have become must-see TV.
- If Castle is out, San Antonio loses a key perimeter defender-something that could open the door for Bane and Suggs to get going early.
- Orlando’s energy in the fourth quarter last game was no fluke.
Can they bring that same fire from the opening tip?
With both teams loaded with young talent and trending in intriguing directions, tonight’s matchup offers more than just a midseason showdown-it’s a glimpse into the future of the league.
Stay tuned.