Jazz vs. Spurs Preview: Markkanen Doubtful, Western Bottom-Dweller Clash, Can Wembanyama Lead Team to End Losing Streak?

On November 1, the NBA regular season continues with the Jazz hosting the Spurs.

The Jazz have had a terrible start to the season, losing consecutively to the Grizzlies, Warriors, Mavericks, and Kings, resulting in a four-game losing streak. They currently rank at the bottom of the Western Conference. Apart from a close loss to the Grizzlies in the first round, the Jazz have struggled significantly in the remaining three games. The Jazz average 102 points per game, ranking last in the league, with an offensive efficiency of only 101, indicating a generally weak offense. More dishearteningly, the Jazz are not strong on defense either, allowing an average of 119 points per game, the second-highest in the West. However, the Jazz excel at creating scoring opportunities and drawing fouls, averaging 28.5 free throw attempts and making 22.2 free throws per game, both ranking high in the league.

In four games, the Jazz have four players averaging double-digit points, but none have scored over 20 points per game. Lauri Markkanen leads with 18 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Jordan Clarkson averages 15.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Collin Sexton contributes 13.8 points and 2.5 rebounds. The Jazz’s overall offensive struggles are a concern, especially since Markkanen has been inconsistent after a strong first game, which is a significant issue for the team.

In their last game, the Jazz lost 96-113 to the Kings at home, with the entire team performing poorly. However, Clarkson did his best, playing 25.5 minutes and scoring a team-high 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting (2-of-7 from three) and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line, with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, but his plus-minus was -15. Only Clarkson and Georges Niang scored in double digits among the starters, while Markkanen, Williams, and Kessler combined for just 20 points. Niang contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists, though his shooting was poor. Notably, Sexton, who came off the bench, went 0-for-7 and scored only 4 points on free throws. Markkanen left the game early due to back spasms, casting a shadow over the Jazz’s prospects.

The Spurs, meanwhile, have lost two consecutive games to the Rockets and the Thunder, and they currently stand at 1-3, placing them second-to-last in the Western Conference. Like the Jazz, the Spurs struggle on both ends of the court, averaging 103 points per game (second-to-last in the league) and allowing 109 points per game. The Spurs are still in the rebuilding phase and have yet to find their optimal form. While Victor Wembanyama showed promise last season, the Spurs’ overall strength is limited, and their performance at the start of this season suggests a long road ahead to return to competitiveness.

The Spurs also have four players averaging double-digit points, but none score over 20 points per game. Sengun averages 18.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while Wembanyama contributes 16.5 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Richardson and Jeremy Sochan are the other two double-digit scorers. New addition Chris Paul averages 9 points and 7.3 assists.

In their most recent game, the Spurs lost 93-105 to the Thunder. Despite a clear advantage in rebounding, the Spurs failed to convert it into points. Wembanyama struggled, scoring only 6 points on 1-of-5 shooting and grabbing 8 rebounds. Richardson led with 18 points, Sengun added 17, and Paul contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists. Against a hot Thunder team, the Spurs were clearly outmatched. Wembanyama also fared poorly against Chet Holmgren.

In their last five meetings, the Jazz have a slight edge with a 3-2 record. For tomorrow’s game, the Spurs will be without Dejounte Murray and Tre Jones, while the Jazz will be without Derrick Hendricks for the season, and Markkanen and Collin Sexton are questionable. This clash between the two bottom-dwelling Western teams will be closely watched to see who can come out on top.

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