Final evening was the primary robust one of many season. Not solely did the Spurs lose for the primary time in six tries (11 in the event you rely the preseason), however additionally they misplaced rookie guard Dylan Harper, who has quietly been on a tear to open the season, after he landed awkwardly whereas making an attempt to contest a Suns layup. He limped off the court docket afterwards and left in a strolling boot and crutches, including on to the Spurs’ depleted roster.
At this time, after working an MRI in Los Angeles forward of Wednesday’s tilt with the Lakers, Harper has been recognized with a strained calf however no ligament harm, which is about pretty much as good of reports as everybody may have hoped for, all issues thought of. Nevertheless, experiences fluctuate on how a lot time he may doubtlessly miss, with ESPN’s Shams Charania saying “a number of weeks”, whereas San Antonio Specific Information’ Tom Orsborn experiences a Spurs spokesperson says he’s “day-to-day” however won’t return this week.
No matter when he’ll return, the excellent news is there is no such thing as a harm, though contemplating each how extraordinarily cautious the Spurs have been with bringing again their currently-injured gamers and the latest historical past suggesting calf points can result in Achilles ruptures, count on them to behave with an abundance of warning on this one. Shedding Harper places a pressure on the Spurs’ already-depleted guard depth, so hopefully De’Aaron Fox is near returning (he has been absolutely taking part in observe because the begin of the season).
In 6 video games with the Spurs to date, Harper has averaged 14 factors on 50% taking pictures, 4 rebounds and three.8 assists.
