Suns Look to Carry Defensive Momentum Into Matchup With Wembanyama and Spurs

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs game preview, Digi Mart USA News (Phoenix, Arizona): The Phoenix Suns (3-5) host the San Antonio Spurs (8-2) at 7:00 p.m. Arizona time at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

The game marks the fourth week of the NBA season and the only visit by the Spurs to Phoenix this season, with the Suns opening a back-to-back.

The Suns are coming off their most impressive victory of the season, holding a potent Houston Rockets offense to fewer than 100 points. While the offense has shown greater connectivity and accountability, the defense has stood out over the past two games.

Since last Thursday, Phoenix has averaged 11.0 steals per game, the second most in the NBA over that span.

San Antonio opened the season with consecutive losses before winning eight straight games, establishing itself as one of the hottest teams in basketball. The Spurs, the defending Western Conference champions, are executing on both ends of the floor.

Since 2023, San Antonio holds a narrow 6-5 advantage in the head-to-head series.

Victor Wembanyama remains the central focus of the matchup. In his fourth year, he already has a Defensive Player of the Year award and is making a case for MVP consideration.

Last week he scored 52 points, grabbed 24 rebounds and blocked eight shots, but the Spurs won that game by only one point.

Phoenix must decide whether to devote extra resources to containing Wembanyama or to focus on the supporting players, including De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Three-point shooting may be a key factor, since Wembanyama can change the geometry of the game and sag off players such as Oso Ighodaro when he catches above the break.

Injury report: For the Suns, Mark Williams is out with left shoulder surgery and Jordan Goodwin is questionable with right calf soreness. For the Spurs, Tabias Harris is out with a left calf strain, Jayden Quaintance is out with right knee surgery and Devin Vassell is out with left adductor tightness.

The preview expects San Antonio to win, predicting a final score of Spurs 121, Suns 115, while noting that competitive play and physical defense would represent progress for Phoenix.