San Antonio’s playoff run hit early turbulence Monday when starting guard De'Aaron Fox was ruled out of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals after his ankle flared up during pregame testing. The late scratch, coming roughly an hour before tip-off in Oklahoma City, leaves the Spurs light in the backcourt against the defending champions. Fox had been managing the ankle issue through earlier rounds, but the team opted to hold him out for the opener.
Fox Shut Down After Game-Day Test
According to The Associated Press, Fox tested the ankle at the team’s morning shootaround and told reporters he was “trying to test it out” after the workout. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged to the media that the issue is likely to linger, calling it “one of those deals where it’s not going away for as long as we’re playing, I don’t believe.” The Associated Press reported that the official ruling that sidelined Fox came roughly an hour before tip-off.
Spurs Confirm Ankle Sprain, Future Unclear
As reported by WOAI, the Spurs listed Fox out for Game 1 with an ankle sprain, and his status for Game 2 in Oklahoma City remains uncertain. WOAI also noted the late timing of the decision and highlighted that this is the clubs’ first postseason meeting since 2016. Team officials have not offered a timetable for when Fox might return.
Who Carries The Load For San Antonio?
Without Fox, the Spurs are turning the keys more heavily over to Stephon Castle and a bench crew that suddenly looks a lot more important. Rookie guard Dylan Harper is expected to shoulder extra playmaking and ball-handling duties. Yahoo Sports suggested Harper would likely slide into the starting lineup, while Keldon Johnson and veteran role players absorb additional minutes to patch the backcourt. That depth will be tested early against Oklahoma City’s pressure and transition attack, which Sportsnet noted as a key factor in the matchup.
Series Stakes Shift In Thunder’s Favor
The Thunder, meanwhile, received a lift with Jalen Williams cleared to play in Game 1, giving Oklahoma City added wing depth, The Associated Press reported. Fox’s absence changes the matchup calculus and increases the pressure on San Antonio to protect the paint and keep Victor Wembanyama out of foul trouble. With one star guard already sidelined and the defending champions at full strength, coaches and oddsmakers will be watching closely to see whether the Spurs can keep this Western Conference Finals from tilting early.
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