The San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz will face off in the NBA 2K26 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Monday, July 14. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. This matchup features top draft picks Dylan Harper (No. 2) and Ace Bailey (No. 5), in a head-to-head that should offer a strong look at each team’s future.
San Antonio Spurs Preview
Coaching & Philosophy
Under new head coach Mitch Johnson, the Spurs are focusing on integrating their high-upside draft picks, particularly Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant. Johnson emphasizes ball movement, floor spacing, and strong fundamentals, blending classic Spurs DNA with modern pace.
Tactical Breakdown
- Offense: The Spurs will likely run a mix of pick-and-roll and off-ball actions. Harper is expected to serve as the offensive engine, with Bryant filling in as a wing scorer.
- Defense: A switch-heavy man-to-man setup is expected, using athletic wings to contest perimeter shots and protect the paint.
- Rotation: Alongside Harper and Bryant, Jameer Nelson Jr. and David Duke Jr. provide backcourt depth and veteran savvy.
- Adjustments: Expect Johnson to experiment with rotations, especially late in games, to identify trustworthy closers.
Injuries & Selection Dilemmas
No significant injuries have been reported. The Spurs should have their full Summer League roster available.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths: Young core with scoring upside, defensive versatility on the wings.
- Weaknesses: Inexperience, potential turnover issues under pressure.
Utah Jazz Preview
Coaching & Philosophy
Coach Will Hardy continues to emphasize development and culture-building, using Summer League to explore player roles and system fits. He values pace, unselfish ball movement, and strong transition defense.
Tactical Breakdown
- Offense: The Jazz are playing with tempo. Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. drive much of the offense through slashing and perimeter shooting.
- Defense: A combination of man-to-man and some zone looks, leveraging athletic forwards like Cody Williams to guard multiple positions.
- Rotation: Expect big minutes from rookies Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr., alongside contributions from Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski.
- Adjustments: Hardy will cycle through lineups to test combinations and build situational awareness.
Injuries & Selection Dilemmas
No injuries are reported for the Jazz’s Summer League roster.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths: Forward depth, perimeter shooting, and transition defense.
- Weaknesses: Interior defense and rebounding against larger teams.
Journey So Far
Both teams are mid-way through their Summer League slate. The Spurs are gradually integrating their rookie backcourt into the system, while the Jazz have been experimenting with lineup chemistry and defensive coverages.
Key Players to Watch
San Antonio Spurs
- Dylan Harper – A high-IQ playmaker and strong finisher. His passing reads and ability to pressure the rim will be vital.
- Carter Bryant – A versatile two-way forward with deep shooting range.
- David Duke Jr. – Veteran presence and on-ball defense make him a glue guy.
Utah Jazz
- Ace Bailey – Electrifying athlete with a knack for scoring in transition and isolation.
- Walter Clayton Jr. – A sharpshooter who adds instant spacing.
- Cody Williams – A strong perimeter defender who can rebound and push the pace.
What to Watch Live
- Tempo control – Spurs may slow the game down, but the Jazz will look to push in transition.
- Matchup between Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey – two top-5 picks with very different skill sets.
- Bench production – role players like Filipowski or Nelson Jr. could swing the momentum.
- Adjustments – which team can adapt quicker when the offense stalls?
- Foul trouble – both teams rely heavily on their top rookies, so staying out of foul trouble is key.
- Late-game execution – which squad is more composed in clutch possessions?
Where to Watch Live
- TV Channels: NBA TV, ESPN2
- Streaming Platforms: ESPN+, NBA League Pass
- Tip-Off Time: Monday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Betting Insight
- Moneyline: Currently even, slight lean toward the Jazz depending on lineup confirmations
- Spread: Likely near pick’em (Jazz -1 or Spurs -1)
- Over/Under: Set at 178.5
- Player Props: Points and assist totals for Harper and Bailey should draw action
Betting Verdict: With both teams loaded with elite rookies, this is a game suited for the Over. Expect lots of pace, shot creation, and exciting mismatches on the perimeter.
Prediction
- Projected Scoreline: Spurs 92, Jazz 88
- Tactical X-Factor: Dylan Harper’s decision-making in pick-and-roll situations
This San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz prediction points to a tight contest, but San Antonio’s depth in the backcourt and improved defensive switches should give them the upper hand in crunch time.