The Spurs play four preseason games this week, including two meetings with Phoenix, before the regular season opens October 20 against Oklahoma City. San Antonio enters the week rested, while a short injury list on each side will decide who gets the extra minutes.
What's on the Spurs' schedule this week?
San Antonio plays four more preseason games: at Phoenix on October 10 (ESPN2), at Utah on October 12, home against Phoenix again on October 14, and home against Sacramento on October 16. All four are tune-ups before the October 20 regular-season opener against Oklahoma City, so none of them affect the record, which stays at 0-0 until that night.
Why do the Suns matter more than the other opponents this week?
Phoenix is on the schedule twice this week, October 10 on the road and October 14 at home, the only team San Antonio faces more than once. The Suns finished 45-37 last season with Devin Booker averaging 26.1 points a game, and the two meetings give Mitch Johnson's staff a repeat look at matchups and rotations before anything counts.
Is either team banged up heading into the week?
San Antonio is missing Jayden Quaintance for an extended stretch with a right knee issue, not expected back until December. Maliq Brown, Malik Williams and De'Aaron Fox are each questionable, and Tobias Harris is dealing with a left calf strain that could linger into the regular season. Phoenix has its own absences: center Mark Williams remains sidelined, and Miles Bridges is questionable with a right ankle issue.
Does the schedule favor either side?
San Antonio is fully rested, with no games in the past week and nothing resembling a back-to-back on this stretch. Phoenix already has one game in the past seven days and only two days of rest before the first meeting, then hosts the rematch four days later. Neither team faces real back-to-back strain this week, but Phoenix's calendar is the busier of the two.
What should fans actually watch for on the floor?
Devin Booker is the matchup to track against a San Antonio backcourt still settling its rotation with Fox questionable. If Fox sits again, expect more ball-handling time for Castle and Harper, similar to the look the staff used in the first preseason game against Atlanta.
When does the Spurs' regular season start?
October 20, at home against Oklahoma City on NBC/Peacock.
Are the Spurs playing Phoenix more than once this week?
Yes, October 10 on the road and October 14 at home, the only team San Antonio faces twice this week.
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