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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs speaks with Stephon Castle #5 in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during the preseason game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 13, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs will be without one of their emerging playmakers as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.
Head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that Stephon Castle has been ruled out due to lingering left foot soreness, continuing a late-season absence for the second-year guard.
“Eighty games and the way he plays. It’s real. We’re not just sitting him just to sit him,” Johnson said, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express.
Castle’s Breakout Season Interrupted
Castle has been one of the Spurs’ most consistent contributors this season, emerging as a key part of the rotation.
He is averaging 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, providing playmaking and versatility alongside the team’s core.
His absence removes a significant ball-handling presence from the lineup, particularly against a Mavericks team still fighting for postseason positioning.
Injury Timeline Raises Questions
Castle was initially listed as questionable with left foot soreness after dealing with right knee discomfort earlier in the week.
He did not play in Wednesday’s 112-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers and will now miss another game as the Spurs take a cautious approach late in the regular season.
Castle participated in shootaround earlier in the day, but the team ultimately opted to hold him out.
Wembanyama’s Status Adds Another Layer
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 6: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs his left arm after an injury during game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at Frost Bank Center on April 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Wembanyama stayed in the first half but did not return to play in the second half.
Castle’s absence comes as the Spurs also monitor Victor Wembanyama, who is listed as a game-time decision with a left rib contusion.
Wembanyama participated in shootaround and is nearing a key threshold, needing to appear in one more game of at least 20 minutes to meet the NBA’s 65-game requirement for postseason awards eligibility.
The Spurs have already secured a top-two seed in the Western Conference, allowing them flexibility in managing injuries, but Wembanyama’s situation adds another layer of decision-making.
Spurs Depth to Be Tested Against Mavericks
GettyDylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets.
With Castle sidelined, San Antonio is expected to lean more heavily on its depth.
Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson are likely to continue seeing increased playing time, particularly in ball-handling and scoring roles.
Both players have already taken on expanded responsibilities in recent games, helping stabilize the rotation amid injuries.
Spurs Prioritizing Postseason Readiness
With playoff positioning already secured, the Spurs appear focused on maintaining health ahead of the postseason.
San Antonio is guaranteed to finish no lower than the No. 2 seed and will have additional rest before the first round begins.
That cushion allows the organization to take a long-term view, even as it navigates multiple injuries late in the regular season.
Bigger Picture Remains Clear
Castle’s absence is a setback in the short term, but the Spurs’ focus remains on entering the playoffs at full strength.
With multiple players managing injuries, Friday’s game represents less about results and more about readiness.
For now, the priority is ensuring that key contributors — including Castle — are fully prepared when the postseason begins.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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