Spurs injury report: Adversity continues as several key players out vs. Portland

Raise your hands if you've heard this before: The Spurs will be without several main rotational pieces in tonight's game. It's been the theme of the 2024-25 NBA season for the Silver and Black, and there doesn't look to be an end in sight. How can one see the light at the end of the tunnel when the basketball gods are shoveling dirt in the hole? Alas, the games must go on, and go on, they shall.

Spurs rookie among others will miss game vs. Trail Blazers

Stephon Castle has played in all 24 games up to this point, but his streak of health has just been compromised with the revelation that he won't be suiting up. Castle spoke with the media after practice days ago when he revealed his shoulder was still sore, but the expectation at the time was that he would still play. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case, and he's not alone.

Spurs injury report

Stephon Castle (Out) - Left shoulder
Zach Collins (Out) - Lower back
Keldon Johnson (Out) - Left calf
Tre Jones (Out) - Left shoulder

Trail Blazers injury report

Matisse Thybulle (Out) - Right ankle
Duop Reath (Doubtful) - Lower back
Deandre Ayton (Questionable) - Illness
Donovan Clingan (Questionable) - Left knee
Robert Williams III (Questionable) - Concussion

The last time San Antonio played Portland was November 7. Several players missed that game, but the Spurs won by 13 points (118-105) anyway. They were missing Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan that night, Victor Wembanyama only had 12 points, and Chris Paul added six points with six assists.

The Trail Blazers are not a good team. With an 8-16 record, SA should be able to impose their will on them offensively and stifle them defensively. Spurs fans should expect a healthy dose of Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, who both played very well in the game against the Trail Blazers last month.

Branham tied Keldon Johnson that night as the Spurs' leading scorer with 17 a piece. It was a total team effort, with eight players scoring in double-digits. Blake Wesley chipped in ten without missing a single one of his four shots and threw eight assists in for good measure.

Charles Bassey didn't suit up last time either, but he'll be ready to defend the paint tonight, so despite the injuries, there is no reason San Antonio shouldn't be smacking their opponents by the time the fourth quarter rolls around. The downside is that fans don't get to see Castle see his old UConn running mate if Donovan Clingan suits up, but that's secondary to a win. And the Spurs will win.