Jazz at Spurs
THE STORY: San Antonio can earn a 15th consecutive playoff berth and run its winning streak to a season high-tying 11 games when it hosts Utah on Sunday in the first of a back-to-back, home-and-home series. The Spurs also can take over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference. As usual, the Spurs have accomplished this feat with little fanfare and self-adulation. Utah lost the first two games this season to the Spurs, but can earn a season split with a sweep.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Jazz), FS Southwest (Spurs)
ABOUT THE JAZZ (29-27): Utah has won two of three as it chases the final Western Conference playoff spot. Devin Harris (left ankle) returned to score a season-high 28 points in a 104-98 victory over Golden State on Friday. Al Jefferson had 30 points and 11 rebounds. “We think we have a good chance to win,” Jefferson said of playing the Spurs. “In a way, it helps that we're playing them back-to-back. It gives us some insight as to what they want to do.”
ABOUT THE SPURS (39-14): San Antonio is percentage points ahead of Oklahoma City atop the West and has not lost since March 17 in Dallas. The Spurs rank first in 3-point shooting percentage (38.9) and third in scoring (102.1). “They are like a well-oiled machine,” Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. “They know what they are going to do, and they know how to get things done. It’s going to be a challenge for us.”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. San Antonio has won five in a row over Utah and is 25-2 in the last 27 home matchups.
2. Utah’s Paul Millsap missed Saturday’s practice with flu-like symptoms, but is expected to play Sunday.
3. The Spurs scored an NBA season-high 82 points off the bench in Friday’s 128-103 victory over New Orleans.