Both the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers will be shorthanded Wednesday night, but the former has reason for optimism.

Preview the Houston Rockets' NBA matchup with San Antonio, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

The San Antonio Spurs are certainly on the rise, although they may be a few moves away from competing for a Finals spot.

Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton will get a lot of the glory, but the Lakers don’t beat the Spurs without Rui Hachimura.

The San Antonio Spurs will look to get back on the winning track when they return home to square off with the surging Houston Rockets on Friday in an NBA Cup clash between the Lone Star State rivals.

Afterward, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson called out Wenbanyama’s passivity on the court, calling for him to change the way he plays on offense. Wembanyama has a monstrous target on his back as the Spurs’ best player but Johnson wants more out of his big man.

Looming over all of the on-court issues are the Spurs’ injuries. De’Aaron Fox has yet to suit up. Luke Kornet has missed significant time. San Antonio just got Jeremy Sochan, Kelly Olynyk, and Lindy Waters III back.