San Antonio Spurs DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan left Tuesday's game against the Clippers after playing just 15 minutes, and the team announced that he will not return due to a lower back injury, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. Sochan had four points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal before departing. His next chance to return will be Friday when the Spurs visit the Nuggets. Sochan missed 13 games earlier this season after breaking his thumb against the Clippers, and he sustained this injury in a rematch against the Clippers. Since returning, Sochan has played 12 games, averaging 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 30.3 minutes per game.

San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell (foot) will exit the lineup on Friday against Sacramento. This is the second leg of a back-to-back for the Spurs, and Vassell will be rested for the contest as he continues to manage a right foot injury. Vassell has been used as a microwave scorer off the bench this season. He's averaged 17.8 points in 23.5 minutes across eight outings. His absence on Friday will give his teammates a lot of additional scoring opportunities. With Victor Wembanyama (back) also on the shelf, Keldon Johnson will be expected to lead the offense alongside Chris Paul and Jeremy Sochan. Johnson scored a team-high 28 points in Thursday's 139-124 loss to Chicago.

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) is set to make his return Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns after missing the team's last 13 games recovering from left thumb surgery. He is expected to come off the bench and may see limited minutes as he eases back into action. In seven appearances this season, Sochan has been a valuable contributor, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and shooting 51.2% from the field over 29.3 minutes per game. His presence and athleticism will be a welcome boost for the Spurs, and fantasy managers will be eager to see if he can maintain his efficiency following his return.

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) appears ready to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday against Phoenix. He has been listed as probable on the injury report. A fractured thumb has robbed Sochan of 13 games. He looked good before the injury happened, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steals. Stephon Castle has run with the starters during Sochan's absence, although Julian Champagnie might be the one who has to make way in the first unit for Sochan.

San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell (knee) will sit out a fifth consecutive game on Tuesday versus Utah but is expected to be back on the court Wednesday night against the Lakers. Vassell missed the start of the campaign with a foot injury and has now been out with a knee contusion. He's been limited to four appearances, averaging 16.3 points and 3.5 assists in 22.5 minutes. Vassell had a bench role in the few games he played earlier in the season, but he's previously been a starter for San Antonio and will likely threaten Stephon Castle's spot in the first unit once he's fully up to speed.