San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox will not play in Monday’s Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Fox was a late scratch in the hour before tip due to ankle soreness.
Fox was previously listed as questionable, but head coach Mitch Johnson expressed optimism in his pregame news conference that he and backup center Luke Kornet (foot soreness) would be able to play.
“I expect De’Aaron and Luke to play if they can,” Johnson told reporters. “It’s one of those deals where it’s not going away for as long as they’re playing, I don’t believe.
“I know they’ll do everything they can to play. That’s just where they’re at.”
Kornet was cleared. But Fox was ruled out after pregame warmups.
Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament
The news is a significant blow for the Spurs as they’ll take on the reigning champion Thunder without their two-time All-Star starting point guard. Fortunately for the Spurs, they’re built to withstand the loss.
The Spurs have brought standout rookie guard Dylan Harper off the bench for most of the season. He’ll presumably step into a starting role in the backcourt next to Stephon Castle at the highest-stakes point of the season.
Fox has been dealing with his ankle injury since late in San Antonio’s second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was initially listed as questionable for Game 5, but was ultimately able to play in the game and a closeout Game 6. He posted 21 points and 9 assists in San Antonio’s Game 6 win.
But his condition has apparently worsened, and, as Johnson alluded to, won’t get any better as long as he plays. And the Spurs made the determination that he wasn’t able to go for Monday’s Game 1.
