Why the Spurs are playing in Austin tonight

The San Antonio Spurs are playing the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, which doesn't sound unusual.

Except for this: The game is being played in Austin, not San Antonio.

It's the second time in three nights that the Spurs have played in Austin, after hosting the Suns there on Thursday.

There's a very simple reason.

MORE: Bronny James stuffs the stat sheet in return to G League

Why are the Spurs playing in Austin tonight?

The Spurs are on their annual Rodeo Road Trip, when their home arena is taken over.

In the past, that meant they'd just go on a particularly long stretch away from home.

Now, it means mostly road games, but also a couple of games they host in Austin.

It serves a two-fold purpose. First, the players don't have to be far away for a long time.

Second, it expands the Spurs' brand and footprint to a big regional hub.

“We’re proud to see this game evolve into more than just basketball — it’s about bringing people together through world-class competition, community impact and shared experiences that reflect the energy and diversity of this region," James Brandon James, Austin-based senior vice president of strategic growth and deputy general counsel for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, said via the San Antonio Business Journal. "We’re excited to continue building on this tradition at Moody Center and deepening our connection with fans across the I-35 corridor and throughout this entire region."

The Spurs won big on Thursday in Austin, 121-94, over the Suns. So apparently the home cooking works just fine.

MORE: This Michael Jordan scoring stat makes a strong GOAT case