Tobias Harris went from uncertain to out on Monday with a left calf injury, with a projected return of October 23 against the Rockets. Oklahoma City comes to San Antonio tonight on four days of rest, carrying last season's 64-18 record.
Who takes Harris's minutes against Oklahoma City?
Nothing official names a starter. Harris gave this team 27.7 minutes and 13.3 points a night last season, so the gap is real. Paul Garcia's podcast on Monday discussed a new starting five and what happens when Harris returns, without a confirmed name. Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie are the forwards with the experience to absorb the time. Mitch Johnson has three days of rest behind his group to decide.
How tough is the matchup without him?
The Thunder went 64-18 last season with a 106.5 defensive rating, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points. San Antonio knows them well, having eliminated them in a seven-game conference finals. Oklahoma City is missing Otega Oweh, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber tonight, and this is its second straight road game. Still, the Thunder have four rest days to the Spurs' three. The Athletic lists both clubs as co-favorites for the 2027 title.
Did the Vassell extension window close?
Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reported that Monday was the last day of this cycle for a Devin Vassell extension, with three years left on his current deal. Garcia also wrote that Vassell and the Spurs can revisit talks later. Vassell earns $27.0 million this season, second only to De'Aaron Fox at $49.8 million. The total payroll is $196.1 million, below the $200.4 million tax threshold.
Is the roster settled after a week of churn?
Closer than it was. Air Alamo reported that Jeremy Sochan headlined a 2022 draft class that was all waived over the weekend. The group now stands at 17 names, with Jayden Quaintance out until a projected December 3 return on a right knee. The last tune-up was a 126-97 win over the Kings on October 16, with Dylan Harper scoring 19 and Fox 16.
Is Tobias Harris playing in the Spurs opener?
No. Harris is out with a left calf injury, with a projected return of October 23 against the Rockets.
When and where do the Spurs play the Thunder?
Tonight, October 20, in San Antonio, on NBC and Peacock. The Rockets follow on October 23, then a trip to Dallas on October 24.
