De’Aaron Fox has been watching from the sidelines during these Western Conference finals. He hasn’t played since the Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fox missed the first two games of the Oklahoma City Thunder series with a right ankle sprain.
The series has proven to be a classic so far, with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama going head-to-head. There has been some development regarding Fox’s status, as the series heads back to San Antonio tonight.
What Is De’Aaron Fox’s Injury Status?
Fox first hurt his right ankle during the conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He toughed it out and played through it. But he aggravated the ankle in Game 6, and the damage has been severe enough to cost him both games of the conference finals.
Initially, Shams Charania appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and mentioned that Fox will be a game-time decision. The guard has been reportedly making improvements, and was even able to take part in the Spurs’ shootaround on Friday morning.
San Antonio Spurs guards De’Aaron Fox (ankle) and Dylan Harper (adductor) are both cleared to play in Game 3 tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 22, 2026
Now, Charania has made another update. He reports that Fox will officially return to the floor tonight.
READ MORE: Is Dylan Harper Playing Tonight? Latest Injury Update on Spurs Rookie for Game 3 vs. Thunder
The numbers tell you everything about how much the Spurs need him back. Fox averaged 18.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds across 11 playoff games before the ankle shut him down.
Fox is San Antonio’s primary ball-handler and the engine behind their half-court offense. Without him, the Spurs have 44 turnovers across the first two games of this series. Fox’s ability to push pace, create off penetration, and initiate is something no one else on the roster replicates at his level.
Game 3 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET at Frost Bank Center. Now that Harper and Fox are set to return, the Spurs have a great advantage while Williams watches from the sidelines.
Wembanyama is already performing at a high level, and Fox’s elite playmaking and vision will only make the French superstar perform better. It will be interesting to see if OKC has the answers to the Spurs’ questions tonight, as fans can surely expect another classic playoff clash.