The San Antonio Spurs have been missing key playmakers over the last few games. They’ll get one back on Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Dylan Harper told the San Antonio Express-News
after the Spurs’ walkthrough that he will play against the Blazers.
Harper has missed the last 10 games with a calf strain that he suffered against the Phoenix Suns on November 2nd. The rookie guard was having a solid start to the season, averaging 14 points and 3.8 assists on 50% shooting from the field in his first 6 games.
The Spurs’ offense has looked noticeably different without key ball-handlers like Harper and Stephon Castle, as well as superstar big man Victor Wembanyama. Harper will give them another player who can get to the rim, push the pace in transition, and find open players in the half-court. It’ll also give the Spurs another playmaker who can run the offense when De’Aaron Fox takes a rest.
It’s unclear if Harper will be on a minutes restriction as he comes back from injury. The rookie was averaging 23.3 minutes per game before the injury, which seems right in the range he could play when he returns.
Harper and the Spurs will take on the Trail Blazers in an NBA Cup game on Wednesday at 9 pm CT on FanDuel Southwest.
