San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox missed his second straight preseason game on Saturday night, sidelined by “general tightness in his hip,” coach Mitch Johnson confirmed ahead of the team’s 102-98 loss at Phoenix. The club is taking a cautious approach with Fox, who also sat out the preseason opener against Atlanta due to “general soreness.”
Johnson described Fox’s issue as “nothing serious or long term,” adding, “Obviously, we don’t want to push it.” Fox’s absence comes as the Spurs prepare for the regular season, hoping to integrate a mix of established stars and promising newcomers.
Alongside Fox, second-year forward Carter Bryant left Saturday’s game early with an apparent ankle injury after stepping on teammate Devin Vassell’s foot. Johnson said, “I hope he’s OK. Not sure,” reflecting the uncertainty around Bryant’s condition following the incident.
There was better news for rookie forward Maliq Brown, who missed the preseason opener with back tightness but logged 10 minutes against the Suns. Brown scored eight points on perfect shooting, including two three-pointers, and grabbed a rebound, showing promise despite limited preseason action.
The Spurs continue to hold veteran forward Tobias Harris out of preseason games after he strained his left calf during the first week of training camp. Johnson noted Harris’s influence off the court, saying, “He’s had an impact instantly just from being around,” and expressed optimism about his return. Harris signed a two-year, $31 million deal in the offseason and is expected to contribute once fully fit.
The Spurs’ injury issues come as they try to build cohesion around new and returning players. Fox’s hip tightness adds to concerns about the team’s backcourt stability, while Bryant’s ankle injury is still under evaluation. Harris remains sidelined but is progressing toward a comeback.
Fox, Harris, Bryant, and Brown’s statuses will be closely monitored as the Spurs continue their preseason schedule. Johnson’s comments suggest the team is prioritizing health over rushing players back, with an eye on long-term readiness rather than immediate returns during exhibition games.
According to Yahoo Sports.
