Fox and Harper cleared to return as Spurs aim to even series in Game 3
San Antonio — The San Antonio Spurs will have two key pieces back in the lineup for Game 3, with De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper both cleared to play after entering the night on the injury report. The Oklahoma City Thunder, meanwhile, will be without Jalen Williams, who has been ruled out after aggravating a left hamstring injury.
The latest injury update adds a major twist to a high-stakes Western Conference showdown that has already featured physical play, lineup uncertainty and multiple players managing lingering ailments. With the series shifting to San Antonio, the Spurs now get a boost from Fox’s return and Harper’s availability, while Oklahoma City must try to cover the loss of one of its most versatile wing scorers.
Fox expected back after ankle issue
Fox, the Spurs’ starting point guard and primary creator, had missed the first two games of the series after suffering a sprained ankle in the previous round. He had been listed as questionable and had participated in pregame on-court work before Game 2, but the team ultimately held him out as a precaution.
That decision left San Antonio without one of its most explosive offensive players, forcing the Spurs to lean on alternative ball-handlers and adjust their spacing in a series that has already demanded heavy minutes from the rotation. Fox’s return should immediately help stabilize the offense, especially in half-court possessions where the Spurs have struggled to generate easy looks.
Fox’s speed in transition, downhill pressure and ability to collapse defenses make him a central figure in San Antonio’s game plan. If he can move comfortably, his presence could change the pace of the game and relieve pressure on the Spurs’ young supporting cast.
Harper also available after adductor concern
Harper, who was thrust into a bigger role while Fox was sidelined, was also upgraded to available status. The rookie had been dealing with adductor soreness, which surfaced during Game 2 and raised concern about whether he would be able to suit up for the next contest.
Adductor injuries can be tricky, particularly in the postseason, because they often affect lateral movement and can worsen if a player returns too early. Still, Harper’s availability gives the Spurs another ball-handler and scoring option as they try to keep their offense functioning against Oklahoma City’s pressure.
During Fox’s absence, Harper gained valuable experience under playoff conditions, taking on responsibilities that extended beyond his usual role. Even if his minutes are managed carefully, his presence gives San Antonio more flexibility in the backcourt and helps reduce the burden on the starting lineup.
Thunder lose Jalen Williams after hamstring setback
Oklahoma City will enter Game 3 shorthanded after Williams was ruled out following another hamstring setback. Williams had already missed significant time earlier in the postseason because of a left hamstring strain, sitting out part of the first-round series against Phoenix and the entire matchup with the Lakers before returning to action in this round.
His latest issue came after he appeared to re-injure the same muscle in the first quarter of Game 2. Williams received treatment on the bench before eventually heading to the locker room and not returning to the game. The Thunder have described him as day-to-day, but the immediate decision is to keep him out for Game 3.
That is a significant loss for Oklahoma City. Williams has been one of the team’s most important two-way players, capable of defending multiple positions while also serving as a reliable secondary scorer and playmaker. His absence removes a key source of shot creation and puts additional pressure on the Thunder’s star core to carry more of the load.
Injury report reshapes the matchup
The game-day availability of Fox and Harper, combined with Williams’ absence, could alter how both teams attack and defend. San Antonio gains a major lift with Fox’s return, while Harper’s presence ensures the Spurs have another guard who can handle the ball and attack gaps. Oklahoma City, however, must adjust its wing rotation and find new ways to replace Williams’ production.
For the Spurs, the challenge will be balancing optimism with caution. Fox and Harper are both coming back from soft-tissue and lower-body injuries, and the team will likely monitor their workload closely. Postseason urgency often pushes players to return sooner than they otherwise would, but the risk of aggravation remains a major concern.
For the Thunder, the priority is protecting Williams from further injury while still finding a way to compete in a difficult road environment. Hamstring issues can linger, and any attempt to rush back too quickly can lead to a longer absence. Oklahoma City’s medical staff is likely to proceed conservatively with the hope of having him available later in the series if needed.
What to watch in Game 3
Fox’s ability to turn the corner and put pressure on the rim will be one of the most important storylines. If he looks close to full strength, the Spurs could gain immediate offensive momentum and create cleaner looks for shooters and big men. Harper’s status is also worth monitoring, especially if the team wants to limit Fox’s early workload.
On the other side, Oklahoma City will need someone to fill the scoring and defensive gaps left by Williams. The Thunder have built their identity on depth, pace and defensive versatility, but playoff series often expose how much a team depends on its secondary stars. Without Williams, the margin for error becomes much smaller.
With both teams dealing with injury questions, Game 3 has become as much about health management as execution. San Antonio finally gets reinforcements, while Oklahoma City must answer a difficult personnel challenge in one of the series’ most pivotal games.
Bottom line: Fox and Harper’s return could energize the Spurs at a crucial moment, but Williams’ absence leaves the Thunder facing a more difficult task as the series continues in San Antonio.