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The San Antonio Spurs are eager to move past their season-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and they'll get that chance Friday night when they host the Houston Rockets at the Moody Center in Austin. The game, tipping off at 8:30 p.m. Central, will be broadcast on Prime Video and DAZN, with radio coverage on 1200 WOAI (English) and KXTN.com 1350AM (Spanish).
San Antonio's 0-1 start wasn't the way the team envisioned beginning the year, especially after a summer of anticipation. The Spurs fell to the Thunder despite a second-half comeback that trimmed a 26-point deficit to seven. Coach Mitch Johnson didn't mince words after the game: "I thought it was a pretty well-rounded, poor effort by all of us, and it's good to get the first one out the way. Got a lot of tape to look at and learn from."
Victor Wembanyama endured one of the worst shooting nights of his career, going 1-for-13 from the field. However, the young star is known for his resilience. "I need to go back to playing the basketball I like," Wembanyama said. "I've got no reason to be hesitant. No reason to not be myself. For me it's as simple as that. I'm good when I have fun."
A Rivalry Rekindled
The Spurs-Rockets rivalry dates back decades, with memorable playoff battles in the 1990s. In the 1995 Western Conference Finals, Hakeem Olajuwon outplayed David Robinson, leading Houston to a six-game series win and eventually a second consecutive NBA championship. San Antonio later built its own dynasty with five titles between 1999 and 2014. The rivalry simmered but never vanished.
Recently, the rivalry has been reignited, partly due to a moment when Wembanyama appeared to pump his fist in relief when the Rockets didn't land the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. That gesture didn't sit well with Houston fans, adding fuel to the fire. The teams have played several thrilling games since, and Friday should be no different.
Houston's High Hopes
The Rockets enter the season with championship aspirations and a loaded roster. Fred VanVleet returns to lead the offense after recovering from a torn ACL, providing a steady veteran presence. Kevin Durant remains one of the league's most lethal scorers, while Amen Thompson brings elite athleticism and defensive versatility. Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün round out a talented frontcourt, with Smith offering shooting and defense and Şengün developing into one of the league's best passing big men.
Houston's bench is deep, featuring Olympian Bogdan Bogdanović and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, along with Clint Capela, Steven Adams, Tari Eason, and sophomore Reed Sheppard. In their season-opening 128-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Smith and Durant each scored 30 points, Şengün posted a double-double (23 points, 10 rebounds), and Thompson added 16 points and 10 rebounds. VanVleet dished out 11 assists without a turnover, and Smart contributed 10 points and strong defense off the bench.
However, the Rockets may be shorthanded: Steven Adams (calf tightness) and Reed Sheppard (knee) are both listed as questionable.
Spurs' Lineup Questions
San Antonio's starting lineup struggled in the opener, but Coach Johnson is likely to give the group more time to develop chemistry. The trio of Dylan Harper, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle was a bright spot. "They are extremely dynamic and talented," Johnson said. "It's as much as allowing them to be on the court and learn how to complement and play with each other (as it is) us as a staff .. to put them in situations and environments to be successful."
Wembanyama will look to bounce back, and Devin Vassell, who shot just 25 percent against the Thunder, has proven he can step up. Carter Bryant impressed in limited minutes, guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Keldon Johnson brought energy. Julian Champagnie showed some rust but can get hot quickly. Veterans Luke Kornet and Harrison Barnes provide stability off the bench.
The Spurs' rotation could be affected by injuries: Fox is questionable with a right wrist sprain, and Keldon Johnson is questionable after suffering a mouth laceration. Tobias Harris (calf) and Jayden Quaintance (knee) are out.
Keys to the Game
San Antonio learned a tough lesson against Oklahoma City: when they don't match their opponent's physicality, games can slip away. The Spurs trimmed a 26-point deficit to seven but couldn't complete the comeback, largely due to second-chance opportunities and an inability to string together defensive stops. Oklahoma City shot 45.2 percent from three, while San Antonio managed just 27 percent.
"I think that we got excited with shots," Castle said. "We were taking the first good one instead of making them work on defense and finding a better shot for ourselves."
Houston won't make things easier. The Rockets have size and defensive presence to challenge San Antonio around the basket, with Thompson and Eason bringing physicality and athleticism on the perimeter. For the Spurs, boxing out, fighting through screens, and securing defensive rebounds will be crucial. One defensive stop isn't enough if it doesn't end with the ball in San Antonio's hands.
The Spurs have the talent to compete with anyone, but Friday offers another chance to prove they can match that talent with toughness and consistency. Against a longtime Texas rival, there's extra motivation—especially for Wembanyama, who takes his role personally. "For me, San Antonio is a city of winning," Wembanyama said on draft night. "On lottery night when the Spurs got the No. 1 pick, I was just thinking that I was feeling lucky that they got the pick as a franchise that has that culture, that has that experience in winning. Making and creating good players. I really can't wait."
Whatever happens Friday, the Spurs can count on a familiar atmosphere in Austin. The crowd will be loud, the rivalry will continue, and San Antonio will have another opportunity to show what kind of team it wants to become. After all, Austin has embraced the Spurs as its own. "It's like home away from home," Harper said.