The Spurs moved up from ninth to the No. 8 seed this morning, 1.5 games behind the 3-1 Timberwolves for sixth, and host the Kings tonight before visiting Utah on Wednesday. Tobias Harris has an estimated return date of October 28, the night of that Jazz game.
How beatable are the Kings tonight?
Sacramento is 0-3 and has lost three straight. Keegan Murray, Ben Simmons, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell are all out. Doug Christie's team carries a 119.6 defensive rating against a 105.8 offensive rating, a net of minus 13.8. The threat is concentrated: Zach LaVine is averaging 29.0 points, and Domantas Sabonis 17.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists. The Spurs beat Sacramento 126-97 on October 16.
When does Tobias Harris come back, and what does it change?
His estimated return is October 28, when the Spurs play at Utah. That is an estimate, not a promise, after his calf status changed repeatedly over the past week. Air Alamo argued that the Spurs' best lineup has not yet played together and that Harris will not change that. When he returns, forward minutes get tighter for Julian Champagnie, Keldon Johnson and Carter Bryant.
Is Dylan Harper's scoring for real?
Three games in, it has been steady. Harper scored 18, 20 and 22, and he averages 20.0 points in 32.0 minutes. The weak spot is his outside shot, at 28.6 percent from three. Victor Wembanyama matches his 20.0 points and adds 11.0 rebounds, and Stephon Castle gives 19.3 points a night on 37.9 percent from deep.
Why is Devin Vassell playing more and scoring less?
Vassell leads the team at 32.7 minutes a night, nine more than his usual load, but he is averaging 9.3 points on 30.8 percent from three. More minutes have not brought more production. He carries the second-biggest contract on the books at $27.0 million, on a $196.1 million payroll, so the starting group needs his shot to come around before it settles.
Is Tobias Harris playing against the Kings?
No. His estimated return date is October 28, when the Spurs visit the Jazz.
Who is injured for the Kings against the Spurs?
Keegan Murray, Ben Simmons, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell are all out for Sacramento.
