Why Tobias Harris isn't playing for Spurs vs. Thunder on Opening Night originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After losing in the 2026 NBA Finals to the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs did not make many major moves in the offseason. However, they did sign Tobias Harris to be their new starting power forward alongside Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt.
However, it seems Harris won't be ready for the Spurs' Opening Night clash in a Western Conference Finals rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It would have been a good glimpse into what he could bring to the Spurs, but alas, it seems they have to wait for him to recover from his injury.
The reason why Tobias Harris will miss the Spurs' clash against the Thunder
Harris would have brought a new dimension to the Spurs' rotation. He is a natural-born scorer, so he would have been a boost for the Spurs' offense, as he can score across all three levels. That would open up more space for his teammates, as Victor Wembanyama could rely on one of his teammates to score.
Of course, Julian Champagnie was excellent in the 2025-26 season, but he mostly shot spot-up three-pointers. With Harris, the Spurs have a more dynamic player at power forward. Of course, every player in the rotation will have their role, so it seems that Harris is going to come in as a reliable scorer and shooter.
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Unfortunately, Spurs fans will have to wait to see how Harris will make an impact for the team. Harris won't be available against the Thunder on opening night because of his left calf strain. Considering calf strains could lead to an even worse injury, the Spurs are taking their time with Harris.
"He’s ramping up. He’s progressing. He still needs some more progressing on the court," Mitch Johnson said about Harris' recovery timetable.
It will be interesting to see how Johnson adjusts to Harris missing the game. There are some rumblings that he could start De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle all together with Devin Vassell playing as a very undersized power forward.
Of course, the Spurs still have Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, and Carter Bryant in that position if it does push through. It will be interesting to see how the Spurs adjust because they will want to win against their rivals on opening night.
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- NBA experts think the Knicks won't be repeating as champions when the 2027 Finals roll around
- The Spurs have made a bold starting lineup decision for their clash against the Thunder
- Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson wants his team to learn from their mistakes in the 2026 Finals
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