Spurs Out without De'Aaron Fox for Opener vs. Mavericks

When De'Aaron Fox, guard, San Antonio Spurs was cleared from the lineup on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the buzz in San Antonio shifted from excitement to concern. The right hamstring strain that’s been nagging him since training camp forced the All‑Star to sit out the season‑opening clash against the Dallas Mavericks. Fox even hit the court for a morning shoot‑around scrimmage, but the team’s medical staff ruled him “not on track” for opening night, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. The news hits a sore spot for a franchise hoping to finally pair Fox with phenom forward Victor Wembanyama, forward of the Spurs in a healthy, long‑term duo.

Injury Details and Immediate Impact

The hamstring strain is classified as a Grade 2 pull, meaning the muscle fibers are partially torn. While the exact recovery window varies, doctors typically project a ten‑to‑fourteen‑day silence for athletes at this level. Fox’s stats from last season with San Antonio—19.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game over 17 appearances—show just how much firepower he’ll be missing on the floor.

Beyond the numbers, Fox’s playmaking style—quick drives, off‑ball cuts, and a knack for drawing fouls—has been a catalyst for the Spurs’ offense. Without him, the team’s anticipated tempo will likely dip, forcing other ball‑handlers to shoulder more responsibility.

Spurs' Roster Shuffle for Opening Night

Coach Gregg Popovich (no markup needed after first mention) has already named the starters:

• Dylan Harper—the high‑school prodigy turned first‑round pick—will slide into the point‑guard slot.
• Stephon Castle, last year’s Rookie of the Year, will see expanded minutes on the wing.
• Jeremy Sochan is also a no‑show, nursing a wrist injury that sidetracks him for at least the first two weeks.
• Lindy Waters III will miss the opener after a minor laser eye procedure uncovered a vision issue during preseason physicals.

Collectively, these absences force the Spurs to rely heavily on their young core. Harper, who averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 assists in the Summer League, will now be thrust into a leadership role far earlier than anticipated.

What This Means for the Fox‑Wembanyama Duo

The pairing of Fox and Wembanyama has been marketed as the next big thing in the NBA—think “dynamic backcourt” meets “unprecedented size”. Last season they managed only a handful of games together because both dealt with separate injuries. The hope for 2025‑26 was simple: keep them both on the court and watch the Spurs climb the Western Conference ladder.

With Fox sidelined, Wembanyama will still dominate on the glass and as a scoring threat, but his off‑ball effectiveness—especially in pick‑and‑roll situations—diminishes without a reliable floor general. Analysts at ESPN have already warned that the Spurs’ win probability drops from 55% to roughly 41% in games where Fox is unavailable.

Expert and Analyst Take

Basketball‑analytics guru Ben Falk says, “Fox’s PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 27.5 last year proved he can elevate any offense. Without him, you’re looking at a regression in both offensive rating and pace.”

Meanwhile, former Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer (not a primary entity, so no markup) pointed out that the team’s defensive rating could actually improve slightly, as Fox’s aggressive drives sometimes leave the backcourt exposed on transition.

Betting markets have already reacted: the spread for the Mavericks‑Spurs opener shifted from -3.5 in favor of Dallas to a even 0, reflecting the uncertainty around San Antonio’s offensive firepower.

Looking Ahead: Season Outlook

Fox is expected to return within the first week of the regular season, mirroring the timeline of fellow wing Lindy Waters III who also missed the opener. If he comes back by the second game, the Spurs could still salvage early momentum.

The bigger picture, however, hinges on depth. The front office has added two veteran role players—forward Jae'Sean Tate and center Myles Turner—to shore up rebounding and interior defense. Their experience might help bridge the gap until Fox regains full fitness.

In short, the Spurs’ roadmap to the playoffs still includes the Fox‑Wembanyama partnership, but the first few weeks will be a test of patience for fans and a proving ground for the young talent waiting in the wings.