It’s been an thrilling preseason for the San Antonio Spurs. Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama have clicked, rookie Stephon Fortress has regarded robust (actually), and youthful gamers have proven enchancment. The preseason isn’t essentially an indicator of long-term success, however it positive does enhance good vibes across the group. Coming off a enjoyable win in opposition to the Orlando Magic, the Spurs will look to maintain the great occasions rolling in opposition to the Utah Jazz.
October 12, 2024 | 7 PM CT
Watch: CW35 | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Devin Vassell – Out (foot), Charles Bassey – Questionable (knee), Zach Collins – Questionable (relaxation/shoulder), Keldon Johnson – Questionable (relaxation), Tre Jones – (relaxation), David Duke Jr. – Questionable (undisclosed), Nathan Mensah – Questionable (undisclosed)
Jazz Accidents: Keyonte George – Questionable (knee)
What to observe for
Does Stephon Fortress’s massive preseason proceed?
To not overreact to the preseason, however the Spurs might have one other stud rookie. Stephon Fortress was nice in opposition to Orlando, posting 17 factors, 4 assists, and a couple of steals. He relentlessly attacked the basket, trying 10 free throws. He’s proven poise, assertiveness, and energy not often seen in rookies, garnering reward from his teammates and the teaching employees. Apart from some turnover issues, it’s laborious to search out too many points with Fortress’s preseason. He’ll look to construct on his robust debut in opposition to Utah.
Blake Wesley’s enchancment
Fortress’s sizzling begin has been amplified by the improved play of Blake Wesley. The 2 of them are a defensive nightmare for opposing ball-handlers, hounding them and creating chaos. All of us knew what Wesley brings as a defender. What has been extra stunning is his poise offensively. He completed with 5 factors, 5 assists, and only one turnover, his solely of the preseason. Whereas he’s not producing a lot offense for himself, the third-year guard is minimizing errors and elevating the group round him. That, plus his defensive potential, may earn him a spot within the Spurs rotation. We’ll see if his enchancment is a flash within the pan or an indication of an enormous change in his sport.
Can Malaki Branham get again on observe?
Whereas Fortress and Wesley are having a powerful preseason, Malaki Branham has struggled to make an impression. The third-year guard has gotten lots of pictures up, and never a lot of them are getting into. Towards the Magic, Branham had 11 factors however shot 4-13 from the sector. He’s been discovering open pictures from deep however hasn’t been capable of knock them down. When Branham isn’t scoring, it’s laborious to search out different methods he’s impacting the sport. Branham is combating for minutes with Wesley and Fortress because the Spurs look to solidify their rotation earlier than the common season. He’ll look to bounce again in opposition to the Jazz as he battles for taking part in time.
