Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz – Game #16

Devin Vassell is one of three key Spurs who won’t play tonight (Photo via X)

The San Antonio Spurs will try to win their second straight game when they host the Utah Jazz tonight. In their last outing, the Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder despite playing without Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan. OKC came into the game as the top seed in the Western Conference and the win improved San Antonio’s record on the season to 7-8.

The Jazz enter tonight’s affair with a record of 3-11. Utah is in last place in the West and only two teams in the Eastern Conference have a worse record.

San Antonio Spurs Injury Update

Unfortunately, the Spurs face the same tall task as last game due to the continued absences of Wembanyama, Vassell and Sochan. Wembanyama has a bruised knee that he suffered against the Los Angeles Lakers when Anthony Davis collided with him. Vassell has a sore knee that is, thankfully, regarded as a minor issue. Sochan is working his way back after suffering a broken bone in his thumb.

Zach Collins is dealing with knee pain and Chris Paul hurt his thumb against the Thunder. Thankfully, both players are ready and able to play tonight against the Jazz.

Utah Jazz Injury Update

The Jazz will likely be without two key pieces in San Antonio. Walker Kessler is out with a hip injury. Jordan Clarkson is listed as doubtful with a foot injury.

San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup

The starting lineup that interim head coach Mitch Johnson will use is the same one he used the last two games. Expect to see Collins at center, Paul at point guard, Harrison Barnes at power forward, Julian Champagnie at small forward and Stephon Castle at shooting guard.

Off the bench, Keldon Johnson (whose big first half propelled the Spurs against the Thunder) will play the leading role. But also expect to see Charles Bassey to impact the game when he subs in for Collins.

Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Jazz

Even though the Spurs will be without Wembanyama, Vassell and Sochan, San Antonio is favored by three points and the over/under is 224 points. After beating the Thunder last time out without that very same threesome, the smart money is on the Spurs to win by four or more points. The Jazz aren’t a good team and they’d have a difficult chance of winning without Clarkson.