Spurs' top-three defense meets a Kings offense that shoots poorly

The San Antonio Spurs (62-20 last season) host the Sacramento Kings (22-60) on Tuesday, October 27, at 8:00 PM ET, with a top-three defense facing one of the league's weakest shooting teams.

All records and ratings here are from last season, with this season's rosters. Sacramento ranked 29th in effective field goal percentage at 52.5% and 30th in three-point rate. San Antonio held opponents to 52.2% effective shooting, third in the league.

The Spurs also took 77.3% of available defensive rebounds, the best mark in the league. A Kings miss usually ends the possession, and Sacramento's offensive rating of 109.3 ranked 26th.

At the other end, the Kings allowed 57.2% effective shooting, 29th in the league. San Antonio shot 55.9%, eighth, and posted an offensive rating of 117.4, fourth.

Victor Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks, which puts a shot-blocker at the rim against every Kings drive. Stephon Castle averaged 7.4 assists. Zach LaVine led Sacramento at 19.2 points a game and shot 88% from the line.

Sacramento is short-handed. Forward Keegan Murray, who played 33.2 minutes a game, and center Dylan Cardwell, the team's leading rebounder at 7.5 a game, are out until Friday, November 6. Center Maxime Raynaud is also out, with a return expected Tuesday, November 10. Two more Kings are out.

San Antonio lists forward Tobias Harris as out, with a return expected Wednesday, October 28. Forward Jayden Quaintance is out until Thursday, December 3.

The Kings lost their most recent game, 123-112 to Memphis. The Spurs won their latest, 122-106 at Dallas, after home losses to Oklahoma City and Houston.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Spurs a 91% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 90%.