Spurs make bold starting lineup decision ahead of highly anticipated Thunder showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Antonio Spurs are preparing to open the 2026-27 NBA season with a surprising lineup decision that could significantly impact their championship aspirations.
Head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed Friday that San Antonio will start three guards against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, placing De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper together in the backcourt.
Devin Vassell and superstar Victor Wembanyama will complete the starting five.
"We're planning on starting that same crew [in the opener]," Johnson said, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright.
The decision comes after San Antonio experimented with the lineup during Wednesday's 123-103 preseason victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Although the group struggled offensively early, the Spurs eventually found their rhythm, outscoring Phoenix by 10 points during the trio's 11 minutes together.
However, the smaller lineup also presents challenges, particularly with perimeter shooting and defensive matchups.
San Antonio connected on just two of nine three-point attempts while the three guards shared the floor against Phoenix.
Despite those struggles, the Spurs outrebounded the Suns 13-11 during that stretch.
Spurs Face Major Test Against Thunder
Johnson's decision represents a significant commitment to developing chemistry between three talented ballhandlers who played limited minutes together last season.
According to ESPN, Fox, Castle and Harper shared the court for just 69 minutes during the 2025-26 campaign, including 25 minutes in the NBA Finals.
San Antonio was outscored by 47 points during those stretches, raising questions about whether the combination can succeed consistently.
Fox acknowledged that outside shooting will determine the lineup's effectiveness.
"When we're making shots, it allows other guys to be able to get downhill," Fox said.
The veteran guard also emphasized that spacing the floor will help San Antonio maximize its offensive potential.
The Spurs enter the season hoping to build on last year's NBA Finals appearance, when they fell to the New York Knicks.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City presents an immediate challenge for a team still developing its identity.
Wembanyama's versatility could help compensate for the smaller lineup, particularly with his defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor.
However, the responsibility will also fall on Fox, Castle and Harper to create scoring opportunities without sacrificing defensive efficiency.
For Johnson, Tuesday's opener will provide an early indication of whether his unconventional lineup can become a championship-winning combination.
The Spurs have plenty of talent, but finding the right chemistry could determine how far they advance this season.
More NBA news:
- Draymond Green makes a bold Victor Wembanyama awards prediction in the 2026-27 season
- Dylan Harper wants to showcase his improvements as a shooter
- The NBA's general managers have made their decision between Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama
- The Spurs have found a way to have De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle in the same lineup
- Victor Wembanyama has revealed the Spurs' Western Conference goals moving forward