San Antonio Spurs vs Utah Jazz Predictions

Utah's injuries favor San Antonio

Jaren Jackson Jr. will miss at least six weeks with a right-knee MCL tear, according to NBA.com and the Associated Press. Spurs-focused site Pounding The Rock also lists Jusuf Nurkic out with a foot injury, leaving Utah without two frontcourt players against Victor Wembanyama.

Lauri Markkanen's status is less certain. Utah outlet KSL Sports reported that he is day-to-day with a right wrist sprain and could return Wednesday, but his availability hasn't been confirmed. His absence would strengthen San Antonio's matchup advantage, while a return would make the 12.5-point spread harder to assess.

The schedule adds risk to a steep price

San Antonio beat Sacramento on Tuesday for its second straight victory. Wembanyama finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds, and all five Spurs starters scored in double figures, according to Pounding The Rock. That recent form and Utah's injuries make the Spurs the likely winner.

The Spurs are playing their second game in two nights, however. That quick turnaround matters when San Antonio is laying 12.5 points on the road, and the -625 moneyline offers a small return if the favorite wins.

Betting pick

SPF lists Utah at +455 and the total at 233.5. With Markkanen's availability and both starting lineups unconfirmed, there isn't enough evidence to back the spread, moneyline or total. Pass.