Spurs Look to Settle Down Against a Banged-Up Jazz Team

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San Antonio's balanced scoring and Victor Wembanyama's rim protection should matter against a Utah team with injury questions.

SAS @ UTA Oct 29, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC

The Spurs arrive in Salt Lake City trying to steady a sluggish 1-2 start that included losses to Oklahoma City and Houston. Their latest result, a 122-106 win over Dallas, came with a caveat: the Mavericks were without Cooper Flagg, who missed the game with a mild left shoulder sprain. Even so, it gave San Antonio its first win and a template to build on.

Victor Wembanyama is the swing factor. His early shooting was poor, 36.5 percent according to Yahoo, but he answered against Dallas with 23 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. If that efficiency holds, his rim protection could make life difficult for a Utah team that needs easy looks. The Spurs also got balance from their new starting group. Dylan Harper scored 22, while De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle added 19 apiece. That unit is still adjusting, but it has multiple ways to score.

Utah's situation is murkier. Jaren Jackson Jr. averaged 19.7 points in the Jazz's first three games and helped them edge Pelicans in the home opener. He then left the Memphis game with a right knee injury. Lauri Markkanen exited that same game with a right wrist injury, and both were set for MRIs. Their availability is uncertain, and any absence would force the Jazz to find offense elsewhere against a long, active San Antonio defense.

The Spurs are not a finished product, and Utah could be tougher if its key players are cleared. But San Antonio has the more settled scoring options and the best player on the floor in Wembanyama. I expect the Spurs to pull away late and take a needed road win.

Prediction: Spurs 118, Jazz 110.

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