Spurs’ Dylan Harper Expected Out Multiple Weeks

San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick, suffered a left calf strain during the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns while contesting a dunk, and an MRI in Los Angeles confirmed the injury. The team and multiple outlets say he is expected to miss multiple weeks, though some reports suggest the MRI indicates he may avoid a more significant long-term absence; the Spurs are nevertheless likely to take a cautious approach. Harper was seen leaving the arena on crutches and wearing a walking boot and had been averaging roughly 14 points, about four rebounds and around four assists as San Antonio opened 5-1. His absence further strains an already thin Spurs backcourt — the team is also without De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) and has several other players dealing with injuries — forcing increased minutes and roles for players such as Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama.