The Spurs beat the Kings 130-103 on Tuesday and moved up to seventh in the West at 2-2. They play at Utah tonight, and Tobias Harris's estimated return date is today.
What did the Kings win actually show?
It showed balance and finishing. Victor Wembanyama scored 29 on 14-of-21 shooting, with 10 rebounds and five blocks in 27 minutes. Julian Champagnie made 8 of 13 threes for 26. Dylan Harper went 6 of 7 and finished +23. San Antonio scored 80 in the first half and led by as many as 28. Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot noted that Sacramento never reached 30 in a quarter, a first for a Spurs opponent this season.
Who is available tonight in Utah?
Utah is short-handed. Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkic and Trey Alexander are listed out. Lauri Markkanen (right wrist) and Jaxson Hayes (right shoulder) are day-to-day. For San Antonio, Tobias Harris's left calf still has him listed as out, but his estimated return date is today. A right knee injury keeps Jayden Quaintance sidelined until an estimated December 3.
Who has to slow down Keyonte George?
The whole backcourt does. The Jazz are 1-3 and have lost two straight, but George carries them at 22.8 points and 7.8 assists in nearly 32 minutes a night. Ace Bailey adds 13.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. Utah beat San Antonio 119-109 on October 12, so this team is not a gimme. If George gets into the paint, Wembanyama's five blocks on Tuesday show what will be waiting for him.
Is the starting five finally working?
The early signs say yes, but in small doses. Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot has the starters at +10 in 38 total minutes through four games, including +8 against the Kings, and noted that Mitch Johnson kept them together for six minutes in the first quarter. All five starters scored in double figures and combined for 82 points. The open question is whether Johnson gives that group longer runs against better opponents.
When do the Spurs play the Jazz?
Tonight, October 28, in Utah. The teams meet again on November 2 in San Antonio.
Is Tobias Harris playing against the Jazz?
He is still listed as out with a left calf injury, but his estimated return date is October 28. His status for tonight has not been confirmed.
