Jeremy Sochan listed as ‘probable’ vs. Suns on Tuesday, Tre Jones out

The Spurs will likely have their versatile forward back for the last Emirates NBA Cup group game but will be missing their backup point guard.

The Spurs will likely get a crucial piece back from injury as they try to secure their spot in the knockout stages of the in-season tournament. Jeremy Sochan is listed as probable in the injury report and could return to action after being out for almost a month when the Silver and Black visit the Suns on Tuesday.

Sochan fractured his thumb after getting it caught in James Harden’s jersey on Nov. 4’s loss to the Clippers. He underwent surgery and there was no timeline for his return. Recently, people close to the team revealed that he was ahead of schedule and his return was imminent. It seems like it will happen in a key game for the Spurs. San Antonio needs to beat the Suns to secure a place in the knockout stage of the NBA Emirates Cup, so having Sochan, who was having a career year after being sidelined, available for the matchup is fantastic news.

Unfortunately, the Silver and Black won’t be at full strength. Backup point guard Tre Jones suffered a shoulder sprain after being caught in a Domantas Sabonis screen on Sunday’s win against the Kings and has been listed as out. There’s no timeline for Jones’ return but he revealed there is no structural damage, so the news is not all bad. Jones missed 12 games already this season with an ankle injury and was only starting to get back in rhythm.

Sochan’s return, along with Jones’ absence, could have an impact on the starting lineup. A simple way to solve the lack of a quality backup point guard would be to start Sochan, send Stephon Castle to the bench, and have the rookie run the second unit. The Spurs normally bring players returning from injury off the bench, as they are doing with Devin Vassell, so it’s possible Sochan has to wait before getting his starting spot back. In that case, he might go back to playing on the ball more or Blake Wesley could get another shot at playing time.

Sochan is averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and three assists in 29.3 minutes per game this season on seven appearances.

Tre Jones is averaging 4.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 17.5 minutes a night. He’s only suited up for eight games this season.