The Spurs are heading back to San Antonio after a four-game road trip that saw them go 2-2-solid, all things considered, especially without two of their most important young pieces in Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. Now, they’ll get set to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, hoping to build some momentum at home while continuing to navigate life without their top-tier talent.
Wembanyama, Castle Making Progress - But No Return Date Yet
The latest injury report for the Spurs ahead of the Memphis game didn’t bring any surprises: Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Jordan McLaughlin are still listed as out. The silver lining?
According to assistant coach Mitch Johnson, all three are progressing and have returned to on-court work. That’s a promising sign for a team that’s had to dig deep into its depth chart early in the season.
Still, there’s no official timeline for their return. And if we’ve learned anything from the Spurs' medical approach over the years-especially this season-it’s that they’re going to err on the side of caution. With the Emirates NBA Cup showdown against the Lakers looming on Dec. 10, there’s still a chance one or both of Wemby and Castle could be back, but don’t expect a definitive answer until much closer to game day.
Wemby and Fox Show Personality in Jenga Face-Off
Sometimes, it’s good to see the human side of NBA players, and the Spurs’ social media team delivered with a lighthearted moment. Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox squared off in a game of Jenga-but with a twist. Some blocks had questions about their teammates, leading to some hilarious and revealing answers.
One of the standout moments? Harrison Barnes being pegged as the most talkative in the group chat.
Not exactly the guy you’d expect to be lighting it up with messages. And yes, the video confirmed what most fans already suspected-Wemby is a full-on hoops nerd, and proud of it.
It’s a fun watch, but more than that, it gives fans a glimpse into the locker room culture. Chemistry matters, and this team seems to have plenty of it-even when key guys are sidelined.
Spurs Know They Have to Clean Up the 3-Point Defense
Sunday’s loss to the Timberwolves was a tough one, and the biggest culprit was clear: perimeter defense. Minnesota torched San Antonio from beyond the arc, and it wasn’t just a bad night-it’s been a recurring issue.
The Spurs have struggled all season to consistently contest threes and rotate effectively. Opponents are getting clean looks, and more often than not, they’re making them. The coaching staff and players are well aware of it, and that acknowledgment is the first step toward fixing it.
Mitch Johnson and the players have been vocal about the need to improve in that area, and that’s encouraging. This isn’t a team that’s shrugging off its defensive lapses-they’re owning them and working to tighten things up. If they want to stay competitive in the West, defending the arc better has to be a priority.
Dylan Harper’s Rim Pressure Is Already Elite
Dylan Harper came into the league with a reputation for being a strong downhill player, and he’s wasted no time showing exactly why the Spurs took him No. 2 overall in the 2025 draft. After missing some time with an injury, Harper has returned looking even sharper-especially when it comes to getting to the rim.
He’s not just good at driving-he’s elite. Harper consistently gets into the paint, forcing defenses to collapse and creating open looks for teammates or finishing at the cup himself. That kind of rim pressure is rare for a rookie, and it’s a big reason why he’s already showing flashes of star potential.
The Spurs have a long-term piece in Harper, and his ability to break down defenses is only going to get more dangerous as he continues to develop his jumper and feel for the pro game.
Austin Spurs Dominating the G League
While the big club has been holding its own, the Austin Spurs have been flat-out rolling. San Antonio’s G League affiliate is 9-1 in the Tip-Off Tournament, including a red-hot 5-0 start. They dropped one game but immediately bounced back with four straight wins, and they’ve looked like the class of the South Division.
Two-way player Riley Minix has been a steady presence, but the breakout story has been Jayden Nunn. The guard just dropped a career-high 32 points in their most recent win and is shooting over 50% from deep this season. That kind of shooting is hard to ignore, and it’s exactly the kind of performance that can earn a player a look from the big club.
The Spurs have always been patient with development, and the pipeline from Austin to San Antonio remains strong. Whether it’s for injury depth or future rotation pieces, the G League squad is doing its part to keep the organization stocked with talent.
The Spurs are still in the early stages of figuring out who they are this season, especially with key players out. But between the flashes from Dylan Harper, the chemistry off the court, and the depth being built in Austin, there’s a lot to like about where things are headed.
The next step? Getting healthy-and tightening up that three-point defense.