After two seasons of “meaningless” hoops, the San Antonio Spurs are somewhat in an elimination game next week. With just one game left in the group stage of the 2024 NBA Cup, the Spurs are in pole position to win Western Conference Group B.

The Phoenix Suns are still in the hunt to clinch the NBA Cup’s West Group B and advance to the quarterfinals. San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Suns are each 2-1 in group play of the in-season tournament. The Los Angeles Lakers are 2-2 after Friday's loss to the Thunder and the Utah Jazz are 0-3.

The San Antonio Spurs will get a significant boost Tuesday night, with Keldon Johnson expected to return for their NBA Cup clash against the Utah Jazz. Johnson, who has been dealing with right hamstring tightness, is listed as probable, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.