5-5!

The San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz have been evenly matched in their last 10 head-to-head games, with similar win records against other teams this season. However, the Jazz currently sits lower on the Western Conference standings. The Spurs gained a crucial edge recently by defeating the Golden State Warriors 104-94 in their second NBA Cup game. Now, the Jazz stands as their next hurdle in advancing to the series’ next stage. Unfortunately, the Spurs will have to face this challenge without some key players.

According to ESPN’s Spurs Injury Report, Keldon Johnson is listed as day-to-day but remains “probable,” offering hope for his availability. On the downside, Devin Vassell has been ruled out as he continues to deal with persistent knee issues. Additionally, Jeremy Sochan will miss his 12th straight game due to a left thumb fracture.

Keldon Johnson missed his first game of the season against the Golden State Warriors due to tightness in his right hamstring. While he has not started in any matchups this tournament, Johnson has been a valuable contributor, averaging 26.8 minutes per game along with 12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His return to the main lineup would undoubtedly bolster Victor Wembanyama and the team’s chances in their upcoming game.

Devin Vassell, meanwhile, continues to face challenges following off-season foot surgery. The 24-year-old has been sidelined for four consecutive games due to a left knee contusion. This is in addition to earlier absences during matchups against the Rockets and Trail Blazers earlier in the season. However, there is good news: according to ESPN reporter Michael C. Wright, Vassell is expected to make his return in Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Shifting focus to the Utah Jazz, the team finds itself in a similar predicament as their rivals, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Unlike the Spurs, who have a glimmer of hope with Keldon Johnson’s potential return, the Jazz face the confirmed absence of three players for the game. Kyle Filipowski and Jordan Clarkson remain out as they recover from ankle and knee injuries, respectively. Additionally, Taylor Hendricks, who has only appeared in three games this season, is still recovering from surgery performed nearly three weeks ago to address a leg fracture and ankle dislocation. His absence is expected to extend through the remainder of the season.

With these injury challenges, both teams will need to adapt their starting lineups to navigate the matchup effectively.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Jazz-Spurs clash look like?

There is a strong possibility that Keldon Johnson will return to action in the upcoming game against the Jazz. However, if he remains sidelined, players such as Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, and Sandro Mamukelashvili are likely to see increased minutes on the court. As the primary small forward, Champagnie has averaged 11 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 17 games, and more playing time could enable him to further contribute to the team’s performance. Meanwhile, Mamukelashvili, with his current average of 4.7 points per game, and Barnes, with 11.5 points per game, may also step up offensively.

Considering these updates, the Spurs’ starting lineup for the game might shape up as follows:

Similarly, looking at the updates for the Utah Jazz, analysts expect the franchise’s starting lineup to look something like this:

The San Antonio Spurs or the Utah Jazz? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming game? Let us know in the comments down below.