Davis Is Out, Six Starters Uncertain as Phoenix Returns

By the Spurs Nightly Desk · Wednesday, October 14

San Antonio waived guard Davis on October 14, the only move of a week that otherwise saw six regulars go unconfirmed for tonight's rematch with the Suns. The record still reads 0-0, since preseason doesn't count, but the Spurs have lost all three games they've actually played.

Spurs Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What happened with Davis?

Davis signed in September on an exhibit 10 contract and played in all three preseason games, his biggest outing a 5-point, 15-minute stretch off the bench against Utah on October 12. He was waived October 14, the Spurs' only transaction of the week, trimming the roster as the regular season approaches.

Who else is uncertain for the Suns game?

Carter Bryant, Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox all carry an unresolved status heading into tonight. Tobias Harris, out since October 4 with a left calf strain, isn't expected back before October 20. Jayden Quaintance remains sidelined with a right knee injury that is likely to keep him out into December.

What went wrong in the loss at Utah?

San Antonio never led in the loss at Utah, trailing by as many as 26 and down 78-99 through three quarters before a late rally trimmed the final margin to 109-119. Ja'Kobi Gillespie scored 25 off the bench, hitting 9 of 14 shots and 4 of 8 from three. The starters outscored the bench 62-47, yet Julian Champagnie finished minus-17, Luke Kornet minus-16 and Harrison Barnes minus-13.

How do the Suns look coming in?

Phoenix beat San Antonio 102-98 in their first preseason meeting on October 10 and enters tonight on five days' rest to the Spurs' one. Devin Booker is managing a rest-related issue, Miles Bridges a right ankle, and center Mark Williams remains out with a left shoulder injury.

What's next after the Suns?

San Antonio hosts Sacramento on October 16, then opens the regular season October 20 at home against Oklahoma City on NBC/Peacock. Preseason results don't affect the record, which still reads 0-0, but the six unresolved injury cases need real answers before that opener counts for something.

The verdictTonight's score matters less than who takes the floor for it. If Fox, Wembanyama, Vassell, Castle and Harper are all held out again, the Suns rematch is just more preseason evaluation, not a real measuring stick before Oklahoma City.

Is Davis still with the Spurs?

No. San Antonio waived him on October 14, after he signed in September on an exhibit 10 contract.

When does the Spurs' regular season start?

October 20, at home against Oklahoma City, airing on NBC/Peacock.