Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 12, 2024

The Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs matchup is one of the three NBA preseason games scheduled for Saturday. Utah has played in three preseason games and is undefeated. The Jazz last played Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks and won 107-102. Lauri Markkanen had 26 points in the win.

The Spurs, meanwhile, are 1-1 in the preseason. They are coming off a 107-97 win against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, as Victor Wembanyama had 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

The two teams have faced each other 205 times in the regular season, with San Antonio holding a 113-92 lead. They met three times last season, as Utah took the season series 2-1.

Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs game details and odds

The Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Frost Bank Center. The game will stream live on NBA League Pass. It will also air locally on CW35 and KJZZ.

Moneyline: Jazz (+125) vs. Spurs (-150)

Spread: Jazz (+3) vs. Spurs (-3)

Total (O/U): Jazz -110 (o214.5) vs. Spurs -110 (u214.5)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs preview

The Jazz finished last season 12th in the West with a 31-51 record. While they weren’t expected to be a playoff contender this season, their 3-0 preseason start has turned a few heads. However, not much can be said from preseason games as most teams are not yet at full strength.

After Saturday’s game, Utah has two more preseason games against the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers. The Jazz start their regular season on Oct. 23 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Spurs finished 14th in the West last season with a 22-60 record. Their highlight, though, was the play of Wembanyama. San Antonio signed Chris Paul in free agency, and the duo had their first game together on Wednesday.

The highlight of the game was Paul setting up Wemby for a dunk with a lob pass. If they can continue engaging in more pick-and-rolls, it could spell trouble for the league. However, the Spurs have a small window to capitalize on it as Paul is already 39 years old.

Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs predicted starting lineups

Utah’s only injury concern is Keyonte George (knee). While he is listed as day-to-day, the team is optimistic that he will be fit for the regular-season opener. Jazz coach Will Hardy should start:

PG: Collin Sexton SG: Patty Mills SF: Lauri Markkanen PF: Taylor Hendricks C: John Collins

San Antonio should be without Zach Collins (rest), Charles Bassey (knee), David Duke Jr. (undisclosed), Nathan Mensah (undisclosed), Keldon Johnson (rest), Tre Jones (rest) and Devin Vassell (foot). Spurs coach Gregg Popovich could start:

PG: Chris Paul SG: Julian Champagnie SF: Harrison Barnes PF: Jeremy Sochan C: Victor Wembanyama

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs prediction

While the oddsmakers favor San Antonio to win this game at home, we expect Utah to cause an upset. The Spurs have too many players on their injury report. As most preseason games come down to the bench players in the final half, San Antonio might just not have the personnel to keep up with Utah. This should be a high-scoring game with the team total going past 214.5 points.