Dylan Harper Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Spurs vs Knicks game today with our National Basketball Association injury report.Dec 8, 2025
Bounces back in win
Harper amassed 22 points (10-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six assists and three rebounds across 26 minutes in Monday's 135-132 win over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
After shooting 1-for-11 from the field in Friday's loss to Cleveland, Harper bounced back in a major way Monday. The rookie racked up a career-high 22 points, pacing San Antonio's bench in points and finishing as the club's second-leading scorer. He has scored in double figures in five of his last six outings. Harper also dished out at least six assists for the fifth time in 13 regular-season appearances.
Dec 5, 2025
Woeful shooting in loss
Harper amassed three points (1-11 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-4 FT), four rebounds and six assists over 23 minutes during Friday's 130-117 loss to the Cavaliers.
ANALYSIS
Harper was terrible from the field, going 1-for-11 on his way to three points. However, the fact that he played 23 was encouraging, continuing his recent upward trend. He is worth taking a chance on in standard leagues despite this performance, just in case he can carve out a consistent 26-minute role for himself.
Dec 3, 2025
Hits for 15 off bench
Harper contributed 15 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-7 FT), one rebound and six assists across 21 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's 126-119 victory over the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
The second overall pick in the 2025 Draft missed most of November with a calf strain, but Harper's now scored in double digits in three straight games, helping to take on some of the scoring load in place of Stephon Castle (hip). Over those three contests, Harper's averaging 14.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals in just 18.7 minutes with the second unit while shooting 58.6 percent from the floor.
Nov 27, 2025
Active in 17 minutes in return
Harper (calf) recorded seven points (2-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 17 minutes in Wednesday's 115-102 win over the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
A poor showing from two-point range dulled some of the impact of Harper's line in his return from a 10-game absence due to a calf strain, but the rookie first-round pick gave the Spurs some quality minutes Wednesday to keep San Antonio in position to win its NBA Cup group. San Antonio will likely remain without one of its key pieces in the backcourt in Stephon Castle (hip) for at least a couple more games, so Harper could have the opportunity to pick up more minutes in the short term as he ramps back up following the calf injury.
Nov 26, 2025
Suiting up Wednesday
Harper (calf) is available for Wednesday's game against Portland, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.
ANALYSIS
The stage is set for the rookie No. 2 overall pick to return from a 10-game absence with a calf strain. Although Harper could have a minutes restriction right off the bat, the Spurs could have a significant role in mind for him in the absence of Stephon Castle (hip). Over six appearances in 2025-26, Harper has averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 0.7 steals in 23.3 minutes per game.
Nov 25, 2025
Iffy for Wednesday
Harper (calf) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper has missed the Spurs' last 10 games due to a left calf strain, though the questionable tag suggests he can be considered day-to-day moving forward. If the rookie guard is ultimately cleared to play, he'll likely face heavy restrictions following the extended absence. The 19-year-old's return will likely result in fewer minutes for David Jones Garcia and Keldon Johnson. Over six regular-season appearances, Harper has averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 0.7 steals while shooting 50.0 percent from the field in 23.3 minutes per contest.
Nov 22, 2025
Still out Sunday
Harper (calf) will remain on the inactive list for Sunday's game in Phoenix.
ANALYSIS
Sunday will mark Harper's 10th consecutive missed game, and the Spurs have yet to update his timetable, so he should be considered week-to-week. Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie will continue to pick up the slack in Harper's absence.
Nov 17, 2025
Not ready to return
Harper (calf) will remain out for Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies, Don Harris of News 4 San Antonio reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper should be re-evaluated at some point in the near future while nursing a strained left calf. Until the Spurs provide another update on his status, the rookie first-rounder can be deemed week-to-week. De'Aaron Fox is in line for a heavy workload in San Antonio's depleted backcourt Tuesday, and Devin Vassell should handle additional playmaking duties.
Nov 3, 2025
Out multiple weeks with calf strain
Harper is set to be out for multiple weeks due to a strained left calf, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Suns, and he's now facing an extended absence. It wouldn't be surprising if the Spurs took a cautious approach with the rookie first-rounder. San Antonio will hope to get De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) back at some point soon, and Stephon Castle should take on an even more prominent role in the meantime.
Nov 2, 2025
Won't return vs. Phoenix
Harper sustained a left calf injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Suns and will not return, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper exited to the locker room with 4:49 remaining in the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly thereafter. He will finish with 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-2 FT) and one rebound in 11 minutes. With the rookie sidelined, Stephon Castle and Jordan McLaughlin are likely to see an uptick in minutes the rest of the way. Harper's status will be worth monitoring ahead of Wednesday's game against the Lakers.
Nov 2, 2025
Exits to locker room Sunday
Harper exited to the locker room after sustaining an apparent left calf injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Suns, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper came down awkwardly on his left leg and grabbed at his calf before heading back to the locker room. If the rookie is unable to return, Stephon Castle and Jordan McLaughlin are candidates for increased minutes the rest of the way.
Oct 26, 2025
Puts up 20 points in victory
Harper notched 20 points (8-11 FG, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and two steals over 29 minutes during Sunday's 118-107 win over Brooklyn.
ANALYSIS
Harper dominated as a shooter in this one, missing only three shots on the way to his best scoring performance of his young NBA career. He was just as impressive in other areas, setting new career highs in rebounds, assists and steals. While there are sure to be more bumps in the road as Harper adjusts to the next level, it's clear that he has the talent to provide significant value across the board.
Oct 25, 2025
Overcomes rough shooting night
Harper amassed 13 points (3-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five rebounds, three assists and one steal in 26 minutes during Friday's 120-116 overtime victory over the Pelicans.
ANALYSIS
The 2nd overall pick did not have an efficient night from the field, but managed 13 points overall by draining all six of his free throws. In 26 minutes of play, Harper still provided decent rebound and assist totals, plus one steal on defense. The rookie will likely have up and down nights as he gets acclimated to the NBA, especially on a Spurs team with a bevy of options.
Oct 23, 2025
Thrives off bench
Harper produced 15 points (7-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes during Wednesday's 125-92 win over the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
Harper's workload wasn't massive by any means, but his usage rate of 34.9 percent certainly was, as he was second on the team behind Victor Wembanyama 36.6 percent) by that metric. At least while De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) is sidelined, Harper appears to be the sixth man in this rotation, but the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft looked very smooth in his debut and the team may find it hard to keep him off the court.
Oct 14, 2025
Sniffs double-double in victory
Harper had 11 points (4-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), eight assists and two steals across 22 minutes in Monday's 124-108 preseason win over the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
Harper was one of six San Antonio players to score in double figures and nearly recorded a double-double, dishing out a team-high eight assists. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 Draft is in line to compete for playing time with Jordan McLaughlin and could see an increased role early on with De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) expected to miss time to begin the 2025-26 campaign.
Oct 10, 2025
Good to go Friday
Harper (thumb) will play in Friday's preseason game against the Jazz, according to NBA reporter Matthew Tynan.
ANALYSIS
Harper is set to taste his first preseason action after being limited for the start of training camp -- he underwent thumb surgery back in September. It's likely that Harper sees a modest workload in his first game back as the Spurs ramp him up for Opening Night.
Oct 10, 2025
Expected to play
Harper (thumb) is expected to play in Friday's preseason game against the Jazz, according to NBA reporter Matthew Tynan.
ANALYSIS
Harper underwent thumb surgery in September and has been sidelined for the beginning of preseason. It sounds like he's about to get the green light for Friday, and that means he could be a full go by the time Opening Night rolls around.
Oct 8, 2025
Won't play vs. Miami
Harper (thumb) has been ruled out for Wednesday's preseason game against the Heat, Dan Weiss of FanDuel Sports Network Southwest reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper is still recovering from surgery on his left thumb, which he underwent in September. The rookie guard is expected to play at some point during the preseason, with four games left on the schedule before the regular-season opener on Oct. 22 against the Mavericks.
Oct 6, 2025
Won't play in exhibition
Harper (thumb) won't play in Monday's exhibition against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, Dan Weiss of FanDuel Sports Network Southwest reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper continues to recover from a minor surgery on his left thumb that he underwent in early September, but he's expected to play at some point during the preseason. His next chance to suit up will come Wednesday in Miami. The Spurs will also be without De'Aaron Fox (hamstring), Stephon Castle (undisclosed) and Devin Vassell (ankle) on Monday.
Sep 30, 2025
Could play in preseason
At Media Day on Monday, Harper (thumb) said it's a possibility he could play in the preseason, according to Spurs reporter Raul Dominguez.
ANALYSIS
Harper underwent surgery on his injured left thumb Sept. 5, and the Spurs are going to proceed with caution. The rookie has been limited with what he can do on the court, and he's sporting a plastic splint on his thumb. So for now, his focus has primarily been on his conditioning. To be clear, he's still hoping to be a full go for Opening Night on Oct. 22.
Sep 5, 2025
Undergoes thumb surgery
The Spurs announced Harper underwent surgery on his injured left thumb Friday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper was selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and is expected to be a big part of the future for the storied franchise. The team hopes he'll be ready for the start of the 2025-26 campaign, which will get underway on Oct. 22 on the road against the Mavericks.
Jul 16, 2025
Shut down for rest of Summer League
Harper has been shut down for the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer League for rest purposes, Don Harris of News 4 San Antonio reports Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
While Harper wasn't efficient during his two Las Vegas Summer League appearances, he totaled 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists across 42 minutes, including a clutch bucket to force overtime against the Jazz. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft figures to play a major role as a rookie, but he'll likely be a step behind De'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle in terms of usage.
Jul 14, 2025
Chips in 16 points in SL win
Harper posted 16 points (5-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), two rebounds and two assists across 25 minutes in Monday's 93-91 overtime win over the Jazz in Summer League.
ANALYSIS
Harper shot just 1-for-7 from the field in the first half but picked up his production in the second. The 19-year-old hit the game-tying layup to send the game to overtime and finished as one of five Spurs players to score double-digit points. Through two Summer League appearances, Harper has totaled 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists across 42 minutes.
Jul 12, 2025
Scores 16 in win
Harper finished with 16 points (5-12 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block across 17 minutes during Saturday's Summer League 76-67 win against the Mavericks.
ANALYSIS
Harper filled up the stat sheet in limited minutes during his first game in the Summer League in Las Vegas. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft went toe-to-toe with No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and was the only starter for San Antonio to crack double digits in the scoring column while also putting in work defensively and on the glass.
Jul 12, 2025
Will play Saturday
Harper (groin) will play under a minutes restriction in Saturday's Summer League game against the Mavericks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper will return to action after missing the California Classic and Thursday's win over the 76ers in Las Vegas due to a groin injury. However, the No. 2 overall pick will be on an unspecified minutes restriction as he faces off against Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Jul 11, 2025
Hoping for Saturday return
The Spurs are optimistic that Harper (groin) will play in Saturday's Summer League game against the Mavericks, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper was held out of Thursday's matchup due to a groin injury, but the team is hopeful that a return is around the corner. "We're going to remain optimistic, but I've said this a few times, long-term thinking prevails," said Summer League coach Mike Noyes. "So we're not going to assume any risk. If there's any risk at all, we're going to be a little cautious. But he wants to play. We want him to play." San Antonio will monitor the rookie closely leading up to Saturday's tipoff before disclosing his status for the exhibition.
Jul 9, 2025
Missing Las Vegas opener
Harper (groin) has been ruled out for Thursday's Summer League game against the 76ers but is expected to play in Saturday's matchup against the Mavericks, Don Harris of News 4 San Antonio reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper didn't play in the California Classic due to a minor groin issue, and he'll be held out of San Antonio's first Summer League game in Las Vegas due to the issue. Harper's absence Thursday and the expectation of playing Saturday will set up a matchup between the top two picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, with Harper facing off against Dallas' Cooper Flagg.
Jul 1, 2025
Won't play in California Classic
Harper (groin) has been ruled out of the three games the Spurs will play in the California Classic in San Francisco, NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports.
ANALYSIS
San Antonio selected Harper with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft once the Mavericks took Cooper Flagg. The Rutgers product will play alongside De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama for the foreseeable future and is expected to be a big part of the team's future, which is likely why the Spurs are being cautious with their rookie guard.
Jun 25, 2025
Headed to San Antonio
Harper was selected by the Spurs with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
ANALYSIS
Harper was widely considered the best player on the board not named Cooper Flagg, and the Spurs have jumped on the chance to add him to an extremely talented young core that already includes Victor Wembanyama (shoulder), De'Aaron Fox (finger) and Stephon Castle. Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals over 29 games in the 2024-25 college season for Rutgers. The positional fit remains a bit uncertain, as he spent most of his college career as a guard, but expect head coach Mitch Johnson to find a way to play Fox, Castle and Harper together on a steady basis.