Spurs Expect Injured Guards De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper to Play in Game 4 vs. Thunder

Trailing Oklahoma City 2-1 in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs expect both injured guards—De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper—to be cleared for Game 4 at Frost Bank Center. Fox missed Games 1-2 with a right high-ankle sprain; Harper sat out part of Game 2 with a right adductor strain. Both returned for Game 3, but the Spurs fell 123-108.

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Fox logged 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a team-high plus-nine in Game 3, saying he felt fine to play. Harper contributed six points on 2-of-7 shooting in 17 minutes, noting his adductor soreness was manageable during warm-ups. Coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the training staff cleared both after pre-game drills.

Bleacher Report

With Fox out Games 1-2, the Spurs averaged 22 turnovers per game, allowing Oklahoma City to score 27.5 points off those mistakes. In Fox’s Game 3 return, the Spurs gave up 20 points on 15 turnovers. Oklahoma City’s bench supplied 76 of its 123 points, outscoring Spurs reserves 183-64 through three games.

Bleacher Report

The restored backcourt is seen as vital for cutting turnover volume and enhancing offensive initiation against Oklahoma City’s aggressive guard play. Coach Johnson stressed that the guards contribute on both offense and defense, a factor that could stabilize ball handling and defensive pressure, improving the Spurs’ chances to stay alive.

Spurs’ Mitch Johnson drops huge De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper Game 4 injury updates

Johnson praised the players’ effort as commendable and said they were giving their all. Victor Wembanyama pledged the team will have their backs and urged the guards to prioritize health. The organization plans to use the full guard rotation to counter Oklahoma City’s bench scoring and turnover generation.

ESPN

Analysts point out that Fox’s ankle remains “re-aggravated” after a collision with Lu Dort, and Harper’s adductor issue could limit his effectiveness. The Spurs’ turnover problem—21 in the first two games—remains a vulnerability that may persist despite the guards’ return.

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• “They came out of the game and finished on their own accord,” — Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach

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• “I did enough to play so that’s all that matters.” — De'Aaron Fox, Spurs guard

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• “I’m sure they’re beat up. They’re giving us everything they got,” — Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach

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Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at Frost Bank Center. The Spurs will rely on the restored guard rotation to curb turnovers, boost bench production, and challenge Oklahoma City’s high-scoring bench. A victory is framed as a “must-win contest” to keep the series alive.

Spurs’ Mitch Johnson drops huge De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper Game 4 injury updates