# NBA preseason competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-preseason-competition
> Updated: 2026-10-16T16:56:48.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

NBA teams continue preseason matchups to evaluate rosters and player rotations. 

In preparation for a matchup against the Utah Jazz, the San Antonio Spurs have placed Dylan Harper in the starting lineup to test his potential alongside Victor Wembanyama. In a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, Wembanyama recorded 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in 22 minutes, though he faced challenges with perimeter shooting. The Suns’ Khaman Maluach also noted a strong performance with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Injury concerns are affecting both rosters. The Utah Jazz have managed absences including Jusuf Nurkić (foot), Blake Hinson (hamstring), and Trey Alexander (knee). However, Kyle Filipowski is set to make his season debut following recovery from offseason back surgery to repair a herniated disc.

In their preseason finale, the Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 119-116. The victory was driven by a 28-9 run during the third and fourth quarters that erased a 13-point deficit. Top draft picks Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey both featured in the win; Bailey recorded 12 points on three field goal attempts, while Peterson contributed late in the game with a crucial floater to seal the result.

Earlier preseason activity included the Denver Nuggets, who have been managing a hamstring strain for forward Spencer Jones, and the Spurs, who have managed absences for Tobias Harris (calf), Jayden Quaintance (knee), Carter Bryant (ankle), and Malik Williams (undisclosed).

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Utah Jazz defeat Phoenix Suns in preseason finale

The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 119-116 in their final preseason game, featuring the return of Kyle Filipowski from injury.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/utah-jazz-defeat-phoenix-suns-in-preseason-finale

### 2026-10-11: San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz prepare for preseason matchup

The San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz face off in preseason action, highlighted by Dylan Harper's move to the starting lineup and various injury concerns for both rosters.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-antonio-spurs-and-utah-jazz-prepare-for-preseason-matchup

### 2026-10-05: Denver Nuggets prepare for preseason rematch against Utah Jazz

The Denver Nuggets prepare for a preseason rematch against the Utah Jazz while managing a hamstring injury to forward Spencer Jones and looking to improve offensive efficiency.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denver-nuggets-prepare-for-preseason-rematch-against-utah-jazz

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Cite as: NBA preseason competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-preseason-competition