San Antonio enters the Emirates NBA Cup with a six‑game winning streak, but a trip to Sacramento tests whether its stars can shoulder the load against a team desperate for its first victory.
Key points
- Victor Wembanyama remains the Spurs’ primary catalyst, but the team’s success will depend on bench contributions.
- Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. provides scoring volume, yet his low shooting percentages could limit Sacramento’s chances.
- Injuries have weakened both squads, making depth and health critical factors in the Group C opener.
The San Antonio Spurs (6‑2) will open Group C of the Emirates NBA Cup on Nov. 6, 2026, against the Sacramento Kings (1‑7) at 9:00 PM CT, a game streamed on DAZN and simulcast on WOAI 1200 AM. After a rocky start to the season, the Spurs have won six straight, largely thanks to Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance against Dallas, where he posted 52 points, 24 rebounds and eight blocks.
Despite that explosive effort, the Spurs’ overall shooting has been uneven, exemplified by a recent game in which they attempted 36 three‑pointers but made only five. The bench, ranked near the bottom of the league in points and assists, has contributed little firepower, leaving the starters to carry most of the offensive burden.
Spurs riding a seven‑game winning streak
Sacramento, meanwhile, is battling injuries to key players such as Ben Simmons, Keegan Murray and Maxime Raynaud. Their lone bright spot is rookie Darius Acuff Jr., the seventh overall pick who leads all first‑year players with 25.6 points and seven assists per game. However, his efficiency remains a question, as he shoots just 40 % from the floor and 31 % from three‑point range while turning the ball over frequently.
The matchup offers a chance for the Spurs’ second unit to prove its worth. Coach Gregg Popovich has kept Dylan in the starting lineup, and a solid bench performance could relieve the starters and preserve their energy for the back‑to‑back schedule. For the Kings, outscoring the Spurs will be essential; veteran scorers Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk are expected to lead the offense, but without improved efficiency from Acuff, the gap may prove too large.
Kings' rookie Darius Acuff Jr. shines but struggles with efficiency
Both teams view the game as a must‑win. The Spurs need a victory to stay on track for advancing out of Group C, while the Kings are desperate for their first win of the season. The outcome will likely hinge on whether San Antonio can sustain its defensive intensity without over‑relying on Wembanyama, and whether Sacramento can translate Acuff’s raw numbers into efficient scoring.
Reader questions
When and where can I watch the Spurs‑Kings game?
The game is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2026, at 9:00 PM CT and will be streamed on DAZN, with a radio simulcast on WOAI 1200 AM.
Which players are listed as out for this matchup?
San Antonio will be without Tobias Harris (calf) and Jayden Quaintance (knee). Sacramento is missing Ben Simmons (Achilles), Keegan Murray (ankle) and Maxime Raynaud (knee).
What are the Spurs’ and Kings’ records entering the game?
The Spurs hold a 6‑2 record, while the Kings are 1‑7.
Source: poundingtherock.com
