There isn’t a higher strategy to hit the street than after a giant victory. That’s precisely what the San Antonio Spurs will do following a 104-102 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night time. They’ll look to hold that momentum, whereas doubtlessly getting a key piece again for Wednesday’s matchup with the Utah Jazz.
On Monday, Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, advised reporters there’s a higher than 50-50 likelihood that Victor Wembanyama will go well with up for Wednesday’s recreation, after lacking Monday night time with an ankle damage. San Antonio actually missed his presence on each ends regardless of the win. He’ll even be a key participant in opposition to a bodily Jazz entrance line that options Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Walker Kessler.
The Spurs are 0-2 in opposition to the Jazz this season, giving up massive video games to Markkanen in each outings. He’s listed as questionable for the sport. Ought to he play, the Spurs might want to discover a strategy to sluggish the Finnish wing down. Devin Vassell has discovered success in opposition to Utah this season, scoring over 20 factors in each video games. A key cog to San Antonio’s offensive assault, Vassell will probably be relied on as soon as once more if the Spurs wish to choose up their second straight victory.
March 27, 2024 | 8 PM CT
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Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey – Out (left knee,) Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League,) David Duke Jr. – Out (G League,) Jamaree Bouyea – Out (G League,) RaiQuan Grey – Out (G League,) Keldon Johnson – Questionable (proper knee,) Victor Wembanyama – Questionable (left ankle)
Jazz Accidents: Darius Bazley – Questionable (G League,) Jordan Clarkson – Out (low again,) Kris Dunn – Out (suspension,) Johnny Juzang – Questionable (G League,) Kenneth Lofton Jr. – Questionable (G League,) Lauri Markkanen – Questionable (proper quad,) Micah Potter – Questionable (G League,) Jason Preston – Questionable (G League)
What to look at for
Sochan’s consistency
Jeremy Sochan had the most effective video games of his younger profession in Monday night time’s win over the Suns. He had 26 factors and a career-high 18 rebounds, whereas additionally hitting the game-winning three. We’ve seen flashes of Sochan’s stellar play all season, however not often are they adopted with one other excellent efficiency. Getting constant, high quality performances from Sochan is a giant a part of his improvement.
San Antonio will want his pestering protection on Wednesday. Markkanen poses considerably of a matchup nightmare for the Silver and Black along with his mixture of measurement, power and ability. Sochan simply confirmed he can defend the most effective scorers within the league along with his efficiency guarding Kevin Durant. The Spurs will want him to step up defensively as soon as once more in Salt Lake Metropolis.
Up-tempo offense
San Antonio’s offense is at its finest when taking part in quick. Particularly with out Wembanyama on the ground. The Spurs are third within the NBA in tempo, discovering their finest offensive rhythm when they’re getting out in transition for straightforward layups or discovering Vassell and Julian Champagnie for threes. Fortunately for them, the Jazz additionally wish to play quick, rating tenth within the league in tempo of play.
The Jazz are a extra environment friendly offense, eleventh in offensive ranking in comparison with the Spurs twenty third. But neither group shoots the three significantly effectively, each groups shoot under 36% from deep. These two will depend on operating up and down and creating straightforward appears.
Can Zach Collins step up once more?
The Spurs backup massive man, Zach Collins, has been taking part in effectively because the All-Star break. He was a significant contributor to San Antonio’s win over the Suns with 18 factors and 5 rebounds. He was strong defensively and made two strong contests on Suns’ shooters as they tried to win the sport with time dwindling. If Wembanyama sits on Wednesday, the Spurs will want Collins to step up as soon as once more in a matchup with a Jazz group that’s robust on the inside. He’s discovered success in opposition to Utah this season. Of their final matchup, Collins had 17 factors, 8 rebounds and knocked in two deep pictures.
