Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz – Game #29
Tre Jones and the Spurs will try to get a W against the Jazz (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs return to the Frost Bank Center with hopes of getting back on the winning track versus the Utah Jazz. The Spurs have lost four straight games and are coming off of a winless three-game road trip. On the season, San Antonio has a record of 4-24 — the worst record in the Western Conference.
The Jazz, 12-18, are the 12th seed in the West. Utah is currently three games behind the 10th seeded Golden State Warriors. However, the Jazz have been playing well lately. They’ve won two straight contests, three of their last four games and five of their previous seven. Lauri Markkanen is again leading the way for the Jazz with averages of 23.7 points and 8.6 rebounds, while shooting 48.9% from the field, 38.2% on three-pointers and 85.1% at the line.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The most important news in the Spurs universe is the update on Victor Wembanyama’s ankle. The star rookie injured his right ankle prior to the game against the Dallas Mavericks when he stepped on a ball boy’s foot. While he missed the game against the Mavs, the good news is that Wembanyama is listed as probable for tonight’s contest versus the Jazz. In fact, he was able to participate in this morning’s shootaround.
It should be noted, though, that even if Wembanyama is able to play against Utah, expect him to be on a minutes restriction in order to protect his injured ankle.
Zach Collins, the backup to Wembanyama at center, is also listed as probable. He is dealing with a sore left knee. If either Wembanyama or Collins misses tonight’s game, expect Sandro Mamukelashvili to enter the rotation at center.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Head coach Gregg Popovich made a change against the Mavs when he elevated Julian Champagnie to the starting lineup and moved Keldon Johnson to the bench. That alignment will likely be the same this evening. Expect to see Champagnie starting at small forward again, along with Malaki Branham at point guard, Devin Vassell at shooting guard and Jeremy Sochan at power forward.
If Victor Wembanyama suits up, he’ll start at center. If not, expect to see Zach Collins starting at center. If neither can go, Sandro Mamukelashvili would start at center.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Jazz
The Jazz are favored by three points and the over/under is 242 points. The smart money is on the over. The Jazz haven’t had any trouble scoring in their recent games and San Antonio’s defense has taken a step back in recent games. The Spurs, playing in front of their home fans, should also put a lot of points on the scoreboard.