Stephon Castle’s comeback delivers the emotional boost Spurs fans needed

ESPN's Michael C. Wright was told by Stephon Castle himself that he would be returning to the lineup against the Pelicans tonight. He'll be a sight for sore eyes, as the Spurs' top perimeter defender can resume making life difficult for the opposition. Castle is averaging 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Getting him back is no small thing, but he isn't the only one returning to action.

San Antonio Express-News veteran reporter Jeff McDonald tweeted that the Silver and Black expect to get Luke Kornet back in the lineup tonight as well. The importance of his return is difficult to quantify with basic numbers. He doesn't fill up the stat sheet. But his contributions as a connector and finisher on offense, meshed with his rim protection, make him invaluable to this team.

As far as the rest of the injury report goes, there are going to be some disappointments on both sides. Victor Wembanyama is not expected to make his return, and neither is Jordan McLaughlin. On the Pelicans bench, Zion Williamson will be in street clothes once again, along with Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole. Herb Jones is still "QUESTIONABLE." This is a major advantage for the Spurs.

The Spurs have no excuses for losing this game

New Orleans is one of the worst teams in the league this year. They've dealt with injuries just as much as anyone, but this isn't a good roster. The pieces don't really fit together, and the entire organization hasn't been known as a powerhouse by any standard. The Spurs are favored by 9.5 points tonight, and that was the case before Castle confirmed his return.

The Pels are 3-21, the worst record in the NBA. The Bayou ball club is in the midst of a six-game losing streak, and San Antonio won't be their saving grace. No disrespect to McLaughlin, but as long as there are no setbacks, the Spurs will have all of their most important players back, except for the 7'5" guy from France.

They've already shown how capable they are without him, so going against the Pelicans for the third time this season should be another win. However, no matter what that line says, we can't guarantee a blowout. The Spurs haven't done that this season at all, outside of the first game of the season against the Dallas Mavericks. Most other games end up somewhere in the 10-point range.

Last time these teams met, Trey Murphy III went off with a 40-burger. This is the NBA, and everyone has talent, so on any given night, things like this can happen. What's important is getting the win. They'll grow into blowing out teams, but right now, we're happy with all the winning they're doing. Don't expect that to change tonight.