:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67201149/usa_today_14710751.0.jpg)
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.
The Spurs have a rematch against the Jazz tonight. Last Friday, the Jazz rested most of their starters and the Spurs were able to cruise to a comfortable 119-111 win. The Jazz have a possibility to pass the Thunder and move up one spot in the standings, to face the Rockets instead of the Nuggets in the first round, so they have something to play for this time, and Quin Snyder may decide to play Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tonight. But seeding doesn’t necessarily mean that much in the bubble, so who knows? Tonight is the night for young players like Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Keldon Johnson to shine, and for steady vets like DaMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay to bring it home in the fourth quarter.
The Spurs have done an incredible job winning games in Orlando, but the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers have also been as hot as their team’s nicknames, and the Spurs still lag behind them for the final play in spot. They need to win tonight to have a chance for the 9th place play-in games, and hope for a loss from the hot Blazers or Suns, and/or the reeling Grizzlies, who have not played well in the bubble.
Updated Spurs playoff scenario:
The Spurs must win the game against the Jazz, and at least TWO of the following three things must happen.
The Spurs are in 8th place if all three things happen, otherwise they’re in 9th and play-in against the 8th place team.
One final word:
Whatever happens with the playoff picture and today’s game, I’m proud of this team. They’ve really played with a lot of heart and conviction, and although they’ve made some mistakes, they’re fun to watch and show a lot of promise. I can’t wait to see what this team can do next year. Go Spurs GOOOOOO!!
San Antonio Spurs vs Utah Jazz
August 13, 2020 | 5:30 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: TNT, FSSW
RADIO: WOAI
Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments, but it is not against site policy to exchange email addresses, for instance.