Who's playing? Both teams missing key pieces in Spurs/Jazz trilogy game

At this rate, the Spurs should build a triage unit next to the court. San Antonio is coming off an electric win against their rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the cost to victory may have been more players in street clothes. Chris Paul is probable to play after injuring his left hand last game, while Zach Collins is questionable with knee tendinitis, but SA won't be the only team missing guys.

Like the Silver and Black, Utah has been dealing with injury issues all season, and you don't have to look hard to know that. This will be the third game between these teams, despite only playing 15 games so far. It's hard to know if some of their issues are tanking-related in an effort to nab Cooper Flagg in the next draft, but regardless, the good guys will play whoever steps up to the plate.

Jordan Clarkson only shot 5-15 last game, but when his buckets came, they were impactful. He's been known as a Spurs killer, so if he doesn't go—advantage San Antonio. SA was outrebounded in the 111-110 loss to Utah, but that should change with Walker Kessler out tonight. Taylor Hendricks, unfortunately, underwent season-ending surgery weeks ago and hasn't played since October 28.

Spurs fans know Jeremy Sochan's injury will take some time, but many are frustrated by Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell's absence. However, it's better to exercise caution when dealing with lower body injuries. Their ailments are reportedly minor, and there's plenty of time to get them on the court in an 82-game season.

Spurs will have their hands full

The Jazz may be 3-11, but they've already shown how feisty they are. Utah's head coach, Will Hardy, comes from the Gregg Popovich tree, and he coaches his team to work hard every possession. Don't let their record fool you. The Spurs turned the ball over 20 times in the last contest with Beehive State's basketball team. Some of those were unforced, but many were due to the defensive pressure.

SA will need to be more intentional with their passes and stronger with the rock to avoid a repeated outcome. The Spurs shot the ball better from beyond the arc than Utah—36% compared to 30%—but that isn't enough to win games in the NBA. To their credit, Alamo City's representatives are ranked 14 in turnovers since that performance at 14.6 per game. They'll need more of that tonight.

Ball security, rebounding, and keeping the Jazz off the free-throw line are the keys to the game. In the one-point loss to Utah, they shot 35 free throws, making 25 of them, whereas the Spurs were 19-25. If they clean up those areas, they'll win the game, but it will likely be a close one with limited rim protection against the likes of Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen.

Logic tells you that if San Antonio can beat OKC without their three best players, they can beat Utah. At least, they should.

Update: Chris Paul and Zach Collins will play