Jordan

McLaughlin

McLaughlin appeared in 44 games for the Spurs last season, averaging 6.4 minutes per appearance. With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper on the roster, the veteran point guard is likely to take on a similar role next season. McLaughlin is not someone who should be selected in fantasy drafts.

Harper had a monster Game 1 but was forced out of Game 2 after only 25 minutes with what was believed to be a right leg injury. An MRI revealed a right adductor injury, and there’s a chance Harper is forced to sit out Game 3. De’Aaron Fox (ankle) is also questionable, and San Antonio’s backcourt could be shorthanded in a pivotal home showdown. Keldon Johnson and Jordan McLaughlin could be in line for expanded roles, with Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell doing some heavy lifting.

Fox was also listed as questionable ahead of Games 1 and 2 before being ruled out for both. Dylan Harper has filled the void in the starting lineup, but the rookie exited Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat due to a sore right adductor. If both can’t play, Jordan McLaughlin could remain in the rotation after picking up minutes on Wednesday.

Harper wasn’t initially on the injury report for this game, but he will now join De’Aaron Fox (ankle) as questionable. Both players have played large roles in the backcourt throughout the postseason, with Harper likely to replace Fox in the starting unit if Fox is out and Harper plays. If both are sidelined, Stephon Castle will likely play the majority of the point guard minutes, with Jordan McLaughlin potentially entering the rotation to provide some ball-handling relief for Castle.

McLaughlin has not appeared in a game this series, but his absence has not affected the Spurs’ rotation. If available, Sunday’s game will likely have to get out of hand for the veteran guard to play meaningful minutes.

McLaughlin’s second consecutive absence will affect the Spurs’ rotation, as he is not guaranteed playing time when available.

McLaughlin will miss at least the opener of San Antonio’s first-round series, but his absence will not affect the Spurs’ rotation since everyone else is healthy.

Harper suffered a left thumb injury during the second half of Sunday’s game. The rookie guard played 18 minutes, finishing with nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jordan McLaughlin may play a few more minutes in the fourth quarter, but the bigger concern is Harper’s availability for the playoffs, which begin next weekend.

Fox is uncertain to play on Saturday due to back soreness. He most recently served the Mavericks with a double-double in the Spurs’ win on Thursday, which was his second consecutive. Fox will have a chance to extend his streak to three straight double-doubles on Saturday if he’s able to play. If unavailable, Dylan Harper or Jordan McLaughlin could realistically slot into the starting unit.

Harper is available after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Thunder. Jordan McLaughlin picked up a few minutes off the bench, but his fall out of the rotation will not affect fantasy basketball.