Stephon Castle often keeps things close to the vest. Prior to announcing his latest off-court venture, he gave no hints. Thursday morning, Connect

While the sample size is small, the collection of like-minded downhill threats appears to have already formed chemistry on and off the court.

The San Antonio Spurs are among the teams best set up for the future in the entire NBA, and they showed why on Wednesday night. They faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals and ran away with the win despite being without young superstar Victor Wembanyama.

Stephon Castle shined the brightest for San Antonio, posting a season-high 30 points to go along with 10 rebounds and six assists. De'Aaron Fox added 20 as the duo combined for 50 points. Keldon Johnson provided 17 points off the bench while Luke Kornet anchored the front of the rim with 10 points, eight rebounds and one block.

Stephon Castle shone in the Spurs' victory over the Lakers, scoring 30 points. LeBron James, impressed by the young star's performance, gifted him hi

The Thunder (24-1) have won a franchise-record 16 in a row. They destroyed the Phoenix Suns in a 138-89 win to advance in the NBA Cup on Wednesday. They led by as many as 53 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points and eight assists in three quarters.

Our Spurs vs. Lakers props expect Luka Doncic to light up the scoreboard, while Stephon Castle and LeBron James keep finding their teammates.

The NBA Cup is down to just four teams, and we'll be down to two squads when Saturday is over. In the Western Conference, the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder host the San Antonio Spurs, with the winner facing the winner of Knicks vs.