Stephon Castle will miss his first game of the season due to hip soreness on Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Castle missed most of the second half of the San Antonio Spurs’ win over the Sacramento Kings after injuring his hip.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson did not have an update on Castle’s injury after the game. The combo guard told the San Antonio Express-News that his injury was simply “soreness,” and couldn’t pinpoint when he experienced the injury. In the spirit of caution, which
the Spurs staff has shown plenty of this season, Castle will miss Tuesday’s game against the 4-10 Grizzlies.
Castle has been key to the Spurs’ early-season success. He’s averaging 17.3 points, a team-high 7.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. He’s been San Antonio’s best playmaker and perimeter defender all season. Losing him alongside Victor Wembanyama, who will be sidelined for at least 2-3 weeks with a calf strain, would be a major blow.
In his stead, the Spurs will rely on De’Aaron Fox, who had his best game of the season against the Kings, putting up 28 points and 11 assists in the win. San Antonio will need to fill Castle’s spot in the starting lineup as well. Julian Champagnie is a prime candidate, given that he started the season in the first five. With the injuries to Wembanyama, Castle, and Harper, the Spurs will rely on end-of-the-bench players like Kelly Olynyk, Lindy Waters III, and Carter Bryant to step up.
Castle’s next opportunity to play will come on Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks.
