The Spurs host Utah tonight at 4-2 and sixth in the West, with Tobias Harris and Jayden Quaintance out. The Jazz are 1-5 and short three players, so this is a game San Antonio should control.
Who is missing tonight?
Utah lists Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), Jusuf Nurkic (foot) and Trey Alexander (knee) as out. San Antonio is without Harris, whose calf is listed to clear by the Nov. 6 game at Sacramento, and Quaintance, listed for Dec. 3. By our count, that is 28 minutes of rotation time gone tonight.
Can the starting five keep playing this well?
Fox, Vassell, Wembanyama, Castle and Harper have a net rating of +19.8 per 100 possessions, with 112.4 on offense and 92.6 on defense. That covers 62 minutes over six games, so it is a strong start, not a settled fact. Tonight is another test of it.
How much does Utah's 1-5 record tell us?
Over six games the Jazz score 105.3 and allow 115.4 per 100 possessions, a net of minus 10.0. The Spurs are at plus 6.7. San Antonio won 117-111 at Utah on Oct. 28 after losing 119-109 on Oct. 12. Keyonte George, at 21.7 points a game, is the one to contain.
Is Wembanyama's scoring run the new baseline?
He is averaging 28.0 points over six games, with 29, 36 and 43 in the last three. He is shooting 29.7 percent from three, so the volume is coming inside. ESPN reported the 43 came on a career-best 34 shots. Tonight shows whether the paint-first approach holds against a depleted Utah front.
Is Tobias Harris playing against the Jazz?
No. Harris is out with a left calf injury and is listed to return for the Nov. 6 game at Sacramento.
What is the Spurs' record entering the Jazz game?
San Antonio is 4-2 and sixth in the West, and it has won four straight.
