The San Antonio Spurs enter preseason action riding a wave of momentum from last season's finish, carrying a perfect 5-0 record from their final five games. That run included a 127-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on April 2, 2026, and showed the team's potent offense. Now, with training camp underway, several pressing questions will shape the weeks before the regular season begins.
Analysts are zeroing in on specific players and positional battles. Mark Barrington is eager to see if rookie Tarris Reed can contribute immediately and how young players like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle develop. Harper's continued leap and Castle's outside shooting are focal points. And, of course, everyone anticipates what new skills Victor Wembanyama will unveil. Devon Birdsong highlights the backup big-man situation, noting its importance given recent injury history. Jeje Gomez is focused on forward Carter Bryant, watching to see if his shot falls and his defense becomes more controlled while keeping its edge.
Tobias Harris is expected to miss the preseason with a calf issue, potentially sidelining him for opening night. The analysts see this as a minor hurdle. Barrington believes it's "not a problem at all," emphasizing Harris's value is for playoff toughness. Birdsong points out that the Spurs' regular-season lineups, like using Julian Champagnie, were among the NBA's best last year. "The kids will be fine for a bit," Birdsong said, referencing the team's 62-win foundation. Gomez frames it as an opportunity for other forwards to step up while the proven Harris works back to full strength.
Beyond the established stars, several younger Spurs need to make an impression. Carter Bryant's audition for power forward minutes is a direct result of Harris's absence. His Summer League stint was brief, so preseason is his chance to prove his three-point shooting and defensive reliability fit. Tarris Reed's ability to handle NBA physicality as a rookie big man will be tested. For Stephon Castle, consistent improvement from the perimeter is a must for his offensive game to expand. These evaluations are vital for constructing a deep rotation.
The Spurs closed the 2025-26 campaign in dominant form. Their five-game winning streak to end the season saw them average over 127 points per game. After beating the Indiana Pacers 134-119 on March 22, they routed the Miami Heat 136-111 and dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 127-95. They capped it with wins over the Chicago Bulls (129-114) and the Warriors. This offensive firepower sets a high bar for the upcoming year. The blend of a surging core and hungry young talent creates a compelling backdrop for October's exhibitions.
