Although the rebuilding San Antonio Spurs probably won’t win the championship this season, perhaps avoiding a franchise-high losing streak would suffice.

Unfortunately, for San Antonio fans, the Spurs battle the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. Aside from the apparent talent gap between the two teams, Cleveland has won its last six games.

Still, in a season lacking inspiration, the Spurs have a little light in an otherwise dark tunnel. The first Spurs-Cavaliers matchup on Dec. 12 this season ended in a thrilling 112-111 San Antonio victory.

During the 12-game skid, the Spurs encountered injuries, trades of veterans, and an impressive debut. However, on-court reasons for the losses fall into a simple, but essential part of basketball. In the spacing era of the NBA, shooting the deep ball is a focal factor in winning games. Perhaps Gregg Popovich’s disdain for the 3-point line hasn’t left, as his team struggles to convert on such shots.

In the last 12 contests, the Spurs converted a mere 33 percent from beyond the arc. The team’s best 3-point shooter (considering volume), Devin Vassell, hasn’t played since Jan. 4 due to his knee injury. Newly-acquired guard Devonte’ Graham will help in that regard, as he shoots 39 percent from the perimeter.

However, as the Spurs continue to struggle, facing the league’s best team regarding defensive rating doesn’t seem like an elixir to losing. Overall, this is a tough matchup for San Antonio. Cleveland allows the fewest second-chance points (11.8), ranks third in opponent’s paint points (46), and employs a frontcourt with defensive specialists Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

The Spurs must find a spark from the perimeter in light of Cleveland’s stout frontcourt, though they’ll have to do this with multiple guys set to be out.

Spurs vs. Cavs Injury Report
San Antonio Spurs

Devin Vassell (OUT – knee)
Tre Jones (OUT – foot)
Khem Birch (OUT – Ineligible)
Romeo Langford (OUT – hip)
Charles Bassey (QUESTIONABLE – leg)
Doug McDermott (QUESTIONABLE – Achilles)
Jeremy Sochan (PROBABLE – conditioning)
Keldon Johnson (PROBABLE – ankle)

Cleveland Cavaliers

• No Injuries to report

RECORDS: San Antonio Spurs (14-43), Cleveland Cavaliers (37-22)

WHEN: Monday, February 13, 2023 – 6:00 p.m. CT

WHERE: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, (Cleveland, Ohio)

TV: Bally Sports Southwest, League Pass

RADIO: Spurs Radio WOAI 1200 AM