Lakers vs Spurs NBA Cup Quarterfinal Preview
The Lakers are back at Crypto.com Arena tonight for their NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup against the Spurs. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. local time. It’s a single elimination game, so the pressure is on. Win, and you’re off to Vegas for the semifinals, or lose, and that’s the end of the Cup run.
2 years ago, the Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup… time to run it back 😈🤞pic.twitter.com/qdEANqBLsg https://t.co/NRo73PgiiZ
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) December 10, 2025
Lakers Getting Key Help Back
Los Angeles comes into this one with some good news on the injury front. Marcus Smart, who has missed a stretch of games with a lumbar/back strain, practiced this week and said that he expects to play.
That’s the latest from team reporters covering his status, and it puts him on track to return tonight. The only player listed as questionable for the Lakers is Maxi Kleber, who’s been dealing with a lumbar muscle strain.
Spurs Missing Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio will be without Victor Wembanyama, who has officially been ruled out with a left calf strain. He’s been sidelined for multiple games, and the team confirmed he will not play in this one. His absence obviously changes their normal rotation, but the Spurs haven’t publicly laid out any specific adjustments for this matchup.
What This Means Heading Into The Game
With Smart expected back and Wembanyama ruled out, the availability picture leans toward the Lakers. Los Angeles has more of its regular group active, while San Antonio is missing its main interior presence. Beyond that, neither team has shared much about game plan or strategy, so anything else is just guessing.
What To Expect Tonight
The Lakers are at home, they’re getting Smart back, and the Spurs are without Wembanyama. Those are the confirmed pieces going into this one. Since it’s single elimination, the only guarantee is that one of these teams leaves with a trip to Vegas on the line.
