Finally, the San Antonio Spurs have discovered their opponent for the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
The Portland Trail Blazers pulled out a thrilling victory in Phoenix over the Suns in last night’s play-in game. The victory pushes Portland to the seven-seed as it prepares to take on the second-seeded Spurs, one of three teams in the NBA this season to amass 60 wins.
By the time the ball is tipped in Frost Bank Center on Sunday night, many of San Antonio’s key names will play their first game in well over a week. That kind of rest at this time of year is a luxury.
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 6: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs his left arm after an injury during game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at Frost Bank Center on April 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Wembanyama stayed in the first half but did not return to play in the second half.
Coming out of the regular season, the Spurs were dealing with some more minor but notable injuries to multiple crucial pieces.
Of course, San Antonio was holding its breath early last week when Victor Wembanyama incurred a rib contusion after colliding with Philadelphia star Paul George. Fortunately, Wembanyama only missed one game.
The team has also seen recent injuries to big man Luke Kornet, star guard Stephon Castle and promising rookie guard Dylan Harper.
As Harper gears up to play in the biggest games of his life, he’ll hope health will be the least of his concerns.
San Antonio Spurs Confirm Rookie Guard’s Expected Status for Sunday
In four days, the true test will begin. The real season will start.
Are these young Spurs ready to show the world they’re legitimate threats to win it all? We’ll soon find out.
Fortunately, San Antonio has plenty of firepower to bank on even outside of Wembanyama, an NBA MVP candidate in just his third season.
Among the names the Spurs can potentially get significant contributions from is Harper. The 20-year-old first-year pro exited the regular season dealing with a thumb injury. That’s not a good way to walk into your first NBA postseason.
The good news is Harper has been recovering rather quickly and isn’t expected to be on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s Game 1.
“We expect him to play Sunday,” said Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson after Wednesday’s practice, according to San Antonio Express-News.
Johnson clarified that Harper’s injury isn’t totally past him, but the rookie guard should be able to play through any discomfort.
“He just got it hit and there’s going to be some pain there … He’s got to work his way through that, but we expect him to play,” Johnson said.
Harper Aims to Cap Off Positive Rookie Campaign
Considering the play of Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, both of whom are expected to receive the most votes for the Rookie of the Year award, Harper’s season has taken a back seat.
That’s not to disparage the rookie campaign he’s had. In the regular season, Harper averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 34.3% from 3-point range in 22.6 minutes over 69 tilts. He has been more than productive in the minutes he’s gotten.
It is commonplace for a rookie to be mostly relegated to the bench during the playoffs. Many first-year pros lack the intensity or know-how most coaches prefer to see in their players in pivotal games. Harper could absolutely play meaningful minutes, it just won’t be surprising if he doesn’t.
Still, the rising star guard will definitely have plenty of new experiences to take with him into next season.
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