San Antonio enters Friday’s pivotal Game 3 against Oklahoma City uncertain about its backcourt, with starting point guard De’Aaron Fox (right high ankle sprain) and rookie replacement Dylan Harper (right adductor soreness) both listed as questionable.
Fox, who averaged 17.7 points and 5.0 assists during the Spurs’ six-game first-round win over Minnesota, has missed the first two contests of the Western Conference semifinal series. He carried a questionable tag before Game 2 but was ruled out shortly before tip-off.
Harper started both games in Fox’s absence, boosting his postseason production to 18.0 points, 4.5 assists and 3.5 steals in those appearances. The 20-year-old exited Game 2 in the third quarter after an awkward landing and underwent an MRI on Thursday.
With the guard rotation thinned, head coach Mitch Johnson turned to veteran backup Jordan McLaughlin. The 30-year-old, who had logged just 24 playoff minutes before Wednesday, played seven minutes in Game 2 and hit two three-pointers for six points. He could be in line for additional time if Fox or Harper remain sidelined.
“We have to continue to trust our depth, and guys have to step up when their name’s called,” Johnson told the San Antonio Express-News.
Oklahoma City is also monitoring its injury report. Star wing Jalen Williams is day-to-day with a left hamstring issue and is officially questionable for Game 3.
Tip-off at Frost Bank Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
