Spurs-Hawks Preseason Tip-Off: Health, Lineups and What's Next

By the Spurs Nightly Desk · Thursday, October 8

The Spurs are 0-0 and about to play their first game of the preseason, hosting the Hawks with Tobias Harris and Jayden Quaintance both out. Atlanta arrives banged up too, and a fresh report has resurfaced questions about San Antonio's starting five before the ball goes up.

Spurs Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Who's available for the Spurs tonight?

Tobias Harris is out with a strained calf in his left leg; the Spurs project his return for the October 20 opener against the Thunder. Jones Garcia's right ankle has been given today, October 8, as his target return. Jayden Quaintance's right knee keeps him out, with no return expected before December 1.

What does the newest report say about the starting lineup?

HoopsRumors published a notes roundup on October 8 that groups the starting lineup with Champagnie, Harris and Wembanyama, but offers no specifics beyond those names. It follows a September 28 report from Cam Wolf naming Harper, Wembanyama, Harris and Quaintance, also without further detail.

What's banged up on Atlanta's side tonight?

Atlanta is shorthanded too. Center Henri Veesaar is out with a knee injury, and Mouhamed Gueye (foot), Luguentz Dort (knee), CJ McCollum (nose) and Aaron Wiggins (facial) are all questionable. The Hawks enter on two days' rest after one game in the past week; the Spurs haven't played yet this preseason.

What's next on the schedule after tonight?

San Antonio plays Phoenix twice more this preseason: at the Suns on October 10 (ESPN2) and at home against them October 14, with a stop at Utah on October 12 in between. The regular-season opener is set for October 20 against the Thunder, airing on NBC and Peacock.

How do these two teams compare coming off last season?

San Antonio won 62 games last season and reached the Finals, finishing plus-8.4 in net rating. Atlanta went 46-36 with a net rating of plus-2.2. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs at 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds a game; Jalen Johnson led the Hawks at 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists. None of that carries into tonight, when both teams open the preseason at 0-0.

The verdictPreseason opener or not, tonight answers real questions: who's healthy, who starts, and whether this morning's lineup report holds up on the floor.

Is Tobias Harris playing tonight against the Hawks?

No. Harris is out with a calf injury in his left leg and is projected back for the October 20 opener against the Thunder.

When do the Spurs play their regular-season opener?

October 20, at home against the Thunder, airing on NBC and Peacock.