Stephon Castle
Getty
Stephon Castle is listed as questionable on the official injury report for the San Antonio Spurs' game on Wednesday, December 31.
The San Antonio Spurs rode victorious Thursday despite missing rising star guardStephon Castle.
Castle, 21, sustained hip tightness this week, keeping him out an 11th game this season. Still, the Spurs were able to outlast the fighting Phoenix Suns — who were withoutDillon Brooks once again — thanks to a clutch jumper byVictor Wembanyama in the closing seconds of the game.
Thursday’s win clinched a playoff berth for San Antonio and its 52nd victory of the season. But in order for the franchise to continue feeling comfortable about its steep upward trajectory, it’ll need Castle back healthy in the starting lineup.
Spurs Provide Stephon Castle Injury Update
San Antonio will be at home once again tonight, this time squaring off against the injury-ravaged Indiana Pacers.
The Spurs will hope to comfortably take care of business in front of their home crowd as they continue chasing the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed in the Western Conference. Getting Castle back will certainly prove quite helpful in that pursuit.
Devin Vassell #24 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs
GettyDevin Vassell #24 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs
Entering Saturday’s contest, the Spurs have officially listed Castle asquestionable on the injury report.
After missing his team’s win on Thursday, Castle hopes to suit up tonight and avoid missing a 12th game this season. After all, he is getting close to the 65-game rule, which requires players to play in at least those many games to remain eligible for regular season awards and honors. The second-year guard has had a highly productive season and will warrant some strong recognition for multiple honors.
San Antonio Needs a Healthy Castle to Continue Surge
Just 140 games into his NBA career, Castle has already established himself as a promising young player who can help his team continue a striking season-to-season turnaround.
At this time last year, competing for a championship was among the last things on San Antonio’s mind; now it has become a vision. Castle is a major contributor in making that happen.
This season, the 21-year-old is averaging 16.5 points, 7.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in fewer than 30 minutes played per contest. In addition to what he can deliver on offense, he is already becoming known as a defensive nonpareil. Despite his smaller frame, his cat-like instincts and quickness make him tough to maneuver around.
Perhaps the quickest way he can boost his game and the Spurs’ chances to go further is by adding a dependable outside shot. He is shooting below 32% from 3-point range this season, though his youth and experience can make one hope he’ll only improve as an outside shooter.
Castle’s table-setting is crucial in San Antonio’s offense and getting Wembanyama to his comfort spots easier. As the duo generates more continuity and consistency, the Spurs can only become more explosive.
San Antonio has been hovering around three games back of Oklahoma City for several weeks. The team will need to continue streaking in the final dozen-or-so games of the 82-game slate. As is the case for all teams, the Spurs must stay healthy to feel good about their chances entering the spring tournament.