Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Orlando Magic

In many ways, the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic are similar teams on a similar trajectory. After years of pain caused (in part) by the betrayal of the franchise’s former players, they both found new ones with the top pick in consecutive years and built from there. With Victor Wembanyama and Paolo Banchero becoming All-Stars, both have added veteran point guards who are threats inside and out to help carry the load in De’Aaron Fox and Desmond Bane, respectively, and both teams have built up plenty of depth behind them to get back into the playoff race and, hopefully, the title fight sooner rather than later.

Another similarity this season is that they both found ways to continue winning despite losing the aforementioned franchise players to nagging injuries (Wemby’s calf and Banchero’s groin). In their place, the committees have stepped up, with veterans like Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson for the Spurs and Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs for the Magic filling them admirably while leading each team to win their respective NBA Cup groups.

Now these two similar teams face off for the first time this season, although the similarities stop at playing style. Can the Magic take advantage of a big rest advantage and the Spurs lack the league’s best paint defender, or can the more accurate Spurs win from three against one of the league’s worst outside shooting teams? Log in to find out!

San Antonio Spurs (14-6) at Orlando Magic (13-8)

December 3, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. CT

Watch: FanDuel SW | Listen: WOAI (12:00 p.m.)

Spurs injuries: Not expected until 1:30 p.m., but we can assume that at least Victor Wembanyama (calf), Stephon Castle (hip) and Jordan McLaughlin (hamstring) are out

Magical wounds: Paolo Banchero — absent (groin); Mortiz Wagner – out (knee); Colin Castleton – released (hand)

You can follow the game here on the thread, as well as on our X profile (@poundingtherock).