Harrison

Barnes

Johnson suffered a laceration to his mouth during Tuesday’s loss to the Thunder, but he still played 20 minutes off the bench. He’ll likely carry a similar workload if he’s available on Friday. If Johnson can’t play, Harrison Barnes and Carter Bryant stand to gain the most in playing time.

Harris did not play at all during the preseason, and his strained left calf will delay his official Spurs debut for at least one game. Julian Champagnie, who was moved to the bench for Dylan Harper, and Harrison Barnes likely benefit the most from Harris’ absence in terms of playing time.

With many of the Spurs’ regulars sitting out Monday’s game, Barnes moved into the starting lineup. As expected, the veteran forward hunted his shot aggressively and earned multiple trips to the foul line. Given San Antonio’s depth when everyone is available, Barnes is unlikely to offer much value in most fantasy leagues this season.

After beginning the 2025-26 season as a starter, Barnes fell out of the starting lineup just before the All-Star break, making just three starts the rest of the season. The veteran forward did not offer great fantasy value as a starter, and the situation became even more dire once he hit the bench. Barnes’ return gives San Antonio another experienced option to call upon in the frontcourt, but he’s unlikely to get the opportunities needed to affect fantasy basketball.

Fox continues to deal with a sore right ankle, but the injury did not force him to miss any games during San Antonio’s second-round series against Minnesota. If he’s unable to play on Monday, Dylan Harper would take on a more prominent role, with there also being more minutes for Harrison Barnes.

Castle was back in the Spurs’ lineup after missing two games with a hip injury, and he played 23 minutes. There was an injury scare during the first half, as the reigning Rookie of the Year took an inadvertent Jaime Jaquez Jr. knee to the head, but he returned to action after a short stint on the bench. And with the Spurs winning by 25 points, there was little need for the team to have Castle play starters’ minutes in his first game back. Harrison Barnes returned to the bench on Monday, finishing with 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and four three-pointers.

While Castle has missed the Spurs’ last two games, Vassell was a late scratch for Saturday’s win over the Pacers. Their absences on Saturday led to Dylan Harper joining Harrison Barnes as the replacements in the starting five. They would likely get another opportunity to start if Castle and Vassell remain out.

Vassell is a late scratch for Saturday’s game, opening a spot in the Spurs’ starting lineup. He’ll be replaced by Barnes, who can provide a few three-pointers in that role. De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama complete the starting lineup.

Castle missed Thursday’s win over the Suns and was initially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Pacers. The 21-year-old point guard has since been ruled out again with right hip tightness. Harrison Barnes could start again with Castle sidelined.

Castle did not play in Thursday’s win over the Suns, resulting in Harrison Barnes making a second consecutive start. The Spurs would likely stick with the same starting five if Castle can’t play against the Pacers.