Two teams on familiar terms meet again in Salt Lake City on Thursday night as the San Antonio Spurs visit the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center (7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET). The story before tip is clear: key scorers are sidelined on both sides, and that could tilt game plans and rotations from the opening jump.

Utah will once again be without its top option, Lauri Markkanen, who is set to miss his seventh straight game. San Antonio will be down its own primary wing scorer, Devin Vassell. Add in a late question mark for Jazz rookie guard Keyonte George, and the second meeting in four days suddenly looks like a chess match of depth, pace, and shot creation.

Utah Jazz injury report: Markkanen out, George questionable

Markkanen paces the Jazz at 27.9 points per game this season and has been the heartbeat of Utah’s offense. He remains out due to return-to-competition reconditioning. The Jazz also list center Walker Kessler (left shoulder injury recovery) and forward Georges Niang (left foot stress reaction) as out. Roster depth could be tested further if George, a new addition with a left forearm strain, isn’t cleared.

George has been a bright spot of late, averaging 25.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across his recent surge, highlighted by a 43-point eruption against Minnesota and a 24-point, 6-assist follow-up. His downhill pressure and confident shooting have covered some of the scoring void with Markkanen sidelined.

• Out: Lauri Markkanen (reconditioning), Walker Kessler (left shoulder), Georges Niang (left foot), plus several two-way players on assignment.
• Questionable: Keyonte George (left forearm strain), Brice Sensabaugh (illness).

“No Markkanen, maybe no George — can the Jazz keep pace without their shotmaking?”

San Antonio Spurs injury report: Vassell out, Sochan ill

The Spurs ruled out Devin Vassell (left adductor strain), removing one of their best three-level threats on the perimeter. Jeremy Sochan is listed as questionable with an illness. Even so, the headline for San Antonio is that Victor Wembanyama is fully available.

Wembanyama’s recent line — 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks — mirrors his steady season production of 20.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 blocks. His rim protection and touch at all three levels change the geometry of games. With Vassell sidelined, the Spurs may need to shift more usage to Wembanyama and their secondary guards and wings.

• Out: Devin Vassell (left adductor strain), plus multiple two-way players on assignment.
• Questionable: Jeremy Sochan (illness).

“If Wemby controls the glass, Utah’s margin for error shrinks fast.”

Recent form and what it means tonight

Utah comes in at 15-29 but with a touch of momentum after a 127-122 win over the Timberwolves, a night that underscored George’s ability to take over. The Spurs, second in the Western Conference standings, are looking to bounce back from a Jan. 20 loss to the Rockets.

These teams have traded blows this season. San Antonio beat Utah by 13 behind a 33-point outburst from Wembanyama, while the Jazz answered on Dec. 27 when Markkanen and George combined for 57. This is the second meeting in four days, so adjustments will be fresh. Who wins the chess match at the four and five? And which bench provides the steadier minutes?

Matchup keys: pace, paint touches, and late-game shot creation

Without Markkanen, Utah must manufacture clean looks. That could mean more downhill drives, early clock threes, and creative screening to free space for George — if he’s good to go — and for the next-man-up wings. Ball security will be vital against San Antonio’s length.

For the Spurs, Vassell’s absence cuts into their off-the-dribble shot creation. Expect more high-low actions and elbow touches for Wembanyama, plus second-side cuts to punish any Utah doubles. If Sochan plays, his playmaking at the four helps stabilize half-court sets and unlocks dribble handoffs to keep the Jazz rotating.

• Utah’s path: defend without fouling, push off misses, and find 25+ combined points from role players to offset Markkanen’s usage.
• San Antonio’s path: win the glass, feed Wembanyama early, and find a hot hand from the arc to replace Vassell’s spacing.

“Second game in a week — whoever adjusts faster wins this one.”

Players to watch

Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: His shot volume and rim protection are game scripts by themselves. If he gets to his spots early, Utah’s defense will have to send help, opening corner threes.

Keyonte George, Jazz (questionable): If available, he’s Utah’s best chance at keeping pace. His 43-point night vs. Minnesota shows the ceiling. Even at reduced minutes, his gravity matters.

Utah’s big rotation: With Kessler out, rebounding by committee becomes non-negotiable. Keeping Wembanyama off the offensive glass is a group project.

Broadcast details and tip-off

The game tips at 7 p.m. MT (9 p.m. ET) from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Local broadcasts are set for KJZZ and SEG+ with radio coverage on 97.5 FM/1280 AM.

The bottom line

Both teams are missing a star scorer, but the contours differ. San Antonio still has Wembanyama, the ultimate matchup swing piece on both ends. Utah’s hopes rest on collective scoring and whether George can suit up. With the season series tied and familiarity high, expect a tight, tactical game where second-chance points and late-game execution tell the story.

If Utah can generate enough paint touches and keep turnovers down, a second straight win is on the table. If Wembanyama controls the rim and San Antonio’s wings hit shots, the Spurs hold the road edge. Either way, every possession will matter.