The San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic are set to clash tonight in San Antonio, but fans will have to wait a little longer than expected. Due to travel complications on the Spurs' end, tip-off has been pushed back to 9 p.m. ET-two hours later than originally scheduled.
The delay stems from the Spurs getting stuck in Charlotte following their game against the Hornets. A snowstorm swept through the area, grounding flights and forcing the team to adjust its travel plans.
It’s not an ideal situation, especially considering this is the second leg of a back-to-back for San Antonio. Fatigue could play a role here.
Meanwhile, the Magic come into this one with a bit more rest and a lot to play for. They're in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and trying to avoid slipping into Play-In territory. That means every win matters, and tonight’s matchup presents a chance to take advantage of a Spurs team that may not be at full strength physically.
Still, don’t count out San Antonio. Despite falling to Charlotte, the Spurs have been one of the league’s hotter teams recently, and they’ve shown they can hang tough-even when Victor Wembanyama isn’t on the floor.
Of course, when he is on the floor, it’s a different story entirely. The rookie phenom has been the engine behind San Antonio’s resurgence, bringing rim protection, scoring, and a whole lot of swagger to a young squad that’s starting to find its identity.
On the other side, Orlando has been battling the injury bug again. Franz Wagner has missed the last five games, and his return timetable remains unclear.
In his absence, Paolo Banchero has stepped up in a big way, continuing to evolve as the face of the franchise. He’s getting help from Desmond Bane and rookie Anthony Black, who’s carved out a meaningful role in the rotation.
This game might have been delayed, but it’s still an important one for both teams. The Spurs are trying to prove their recent surge is more than just a hot streak, while the Magic are looking to solidify their playoff positioning. Late tip or not, there’s plenty to watch for once the ball goes up.