The Western Conference Finals continue Friday, May 22, as the Spurs-Thunder rivalry rages on. However, San Antonio has had guards De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper land on the injury report throughout the series. Here’s what we know about their availability for Game 3.
Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox has been missing in both games of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder after sustaining a right ankle injury. During Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu fell on Fox’s ankle. Though he finished out the series, he has yet to return.
Fox’s absence has contributed to Stephon Castle’s 20 turnovers across those two games, the most by a player in two playoff games in NBA history.
On Tuesday, May 19, Fox was listed as questionable for Game 2, and Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said whether to play him would be a game-time decision. Fox had tried to attend a pregame workout ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday, May 20, but his right ankle kept him out of the game, according to the Associated Press. Johnson said, “It’s a tough injury that he wouldn’t be playing with in the regular season. He’s trying to tough it out.”
So will San Antonio see him back on the court when Game 3 tips off in the Frost Bank Center on Friday, May 22?
Fox’s ability to play will be a game-time decision once again due to his high right ankle sprain, according to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania. The Spurs’ injury report, last updated on Thursday, May 21, lists Fox’s status as “day-to-day.” Johnson has said that’s likely to be the case for the rest of the playoffs, according to the Express-News.
Dylan Harper is similarly questionable with right adductor soreness following a collision that took him out of Game 2 against the Thunder on Wednesday, May 20. Harper came in to take Fox’s place, but now, the team will have to rely on their roster’s depth. Expect to see more minutes from Jordan McLaughlin, who went on the court in lieu of Fox and Harper.
Where to watch Spurs vs. Thunder Game 3
The Spurs take on the Thunder in San Antonio at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22. The game will be broadcast on NBC and streaming on Peacock, Sling TV and YouTube TV. The series is currently tied 1-1 after the shorthanded Spurs stole Game 1 in Oklahoma City in double overtime on Monday but dropped Game 2 on Wednesday.