NBA Betting: Does Victor Wembanyama Make the Spurs a Playoff Team?

Many expect Victor Wembanyama to become an NBA legend, but few saw him starting his career playing at this high of a level. He has made a huge impact on the Spurs, who sit just one game out of a play-in spot. While it is early, many bettors are beginning to wonder if they are a viable wager to make the eight-team postseason.

Below we will discuss how NBA betting sites view the Spurs playoff chances, what we like about the team, and what concerns us. If you are looking for help finding a high-value future bet, you’ve come to the right place. 

US Sportsbooks have improved the odds for the Spurs to make the playoffs, though they still offer a ton of value. Bookmakers see the potential this team has, despite their 3-4 start to the season. While no one has San Antonio as a title contender, the expanded playoff field means they just need to keep their record around the .500 to make the play-in round in the West.

There is no doubt that Victor Wembanyama elevates this Spurs team to a whole new level. The rookie is averaging 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.5 steals, leading in the first three categories and ranking second in steals. He has been getting better as the season progresses, especially when shooting from deep. He is shooting 38.9% from three in November, averaging six attempts per game.

His improving play is a big reason why we think the Spurs will make the postseason. Wembanyama is clearly gaining confidence each game, and his impressive early start signals he could finish the season as one of the league’s top players. A player of his caliber is more than enough to lead a team like San Antonio to at least the play-in tournament, giving them a great shot at the playoffs.

One early career highlight came on November 2, when the Spurs took on the Kevin Durant and the Suns. Wembanyama scored 38 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked three shots while leading the Spurs to an impressive road upset. While the Suns were without Booker and Beal, they still presented a challenge similar to what the Spurs would see in the play-in tournament.

The Spurs do have some solid support around their young rookie. Guard Devin Vassell is averaging 19.4 points, and 1.3 steals and Keldon Johnson averages 16.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. The Spurs also have a promising young guard in Malaki Branham, who has played well when given more playing time. These three will also improve as they learn to play with Wembanyama, which could lead them to be a very dangerous team late in the season.

One major concern around the team is the lack of a second star to support Wembanyama. Devin Vassell appears to be turning into that star, but at 23-years-old it leaves the team without a veteran leader. Sedi Osman is the oldest starter at 28-years-old, but he plays a small role. Veteran leadership is important when making a playoff push late in the season, so it is a big piece to be missing.

Another concern is the San Antonio defense. They rank twenty-ninth in the league in points allowed per game (125.9) and opponent shooting percentage (51.2%), while ranking last in opponent three-point percentage (40.3%). Those are ugly numbers, but the three-point percentage is the one that scares us the most. It is very hard to win in the modern-day NBA if you can’t stop the three, and it is a big reason why they are giving up so many points.