San Antonio is 2-2, seventh, and has won two in a row after a 130-103 rout of Sacramento. The week runs through Utah twice, with Minnesota and Dallas in between.
What does the Spurs' schedule look like this week?
The Spurs play at Utah on October 28, the night after the Kings game, so fresh legs are the first test. Then they come home with two open days before hosting Minnesota on October 31. Utah visits on November 2, and Dallas closes the stretch on November 4 on ESPN. After tonight every game is in San Antonio, and Mitch Johnson gets a rare run of home dates to settle his rotation.
Why is Utah the opponent that matters most?
Half of the week's games are against the Jazz, and Utah beat San Antonio 119-109 on October 12. Will Hardy's team is 1-3 after two straight defeats. Keyonte George runs its offense with 22.8 points and 7.8 assists per game, and Ace Bailey pulls down 8.5 rebounds a night. A split makes for an ordinary week. Taking both games would bank ground against a conference rival.
How thin is the Jazz roster right now?
Jaren Jackson Jr. is sidelined by a right knee injury, Jusuf Nurkic by a right foot injury and Trey Alexander by a left knee injury. Lauri Markkanen, who scores 16.0 a game, has a right wrist issue and no firm status, and Jaxson Hayes is in the same position with his right shoulder. Without Jackson and Nurkic, Utah is short on size, and that matters against Wembanyama after his five blocks against Sacramento.
Who is missing for San Antonio?
Tobias Harris is still out with his calf injury. October 28 is his projected return after several status changes since October 19. Jayden Quaintance has a right knee injury and is not expected back before December 3. The forward depth has held up without Harris: Julian Champagnie hit eight threes against Sacramento, and Keldon Johnson scored 10 points in the fourth quarter of that game.
What does Minnesota's visit mean for the standings?
The Timberwolves are 3-1 and sixth, a game better than the 2-2 Spurs, so October 31 is a direct shot at that spot. San Antonio also sits only half a game clear of 11th, which leaves almost no room either way this early. Dallas comes next on November 4, and the Spurs already won 122-106 at Dallas on October 24.
When do the Spurs play the Jazz this week?
They play at Utah on October 28 and host Utah on November 2.
Which Spurs game this week is on national TV?
The November 4 home game against the Mavericks airs on ESPN.
