Tobias Harris doubtful for Spurs opener as Ty Jerome emerges in Grizzlies camp

San Antonio Spurs forward Tobias Harris is in danger of missing the start of the regular season after suffering a left calf strain during training camp. The team has listed him as questionable for the October 20 opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder following the injury.

Harris has already been sidelined for the Spurs’ intrasquad scrimmage and is expected to sit out all five of the club’s preseason games. He will be re-evaluated once the preseason schedule wraps up, leaving his status for opening night uncertain.

Spurs rotations on hold without key newcomer

Harris is the lone offseason addition projected to play a major role in San Antonio’s rotation this year, so his absence complicates head coach Mitch Johnson’s plans. The Spurs had hoped to use preseason action to try out different lineup combinations and see how Harris fit next to their core players.

The veteran forward was considered a strong candidate to start, but missing the full warm-up schedule makes it harder to plug him directly into the opening lineup. Johnson and his staff may now have to wait until the regular season to properly assess where Harris fits in the pecking order.

Jerome leads Grizzlies point guard race, Rockets reset two-way spot

In Memphis, attention is focused on who will take over from Ja Morant as the primary starting point guard. Early indications from camp suggest Ty Jerome has moved to the front of the competition, with the Memphis Commercial Appeal describing him as one of the standout performers. Teammate GG Jackson II praised Jerome’s scoring versatility, saying he can score on virtually any possession and from a variety of situations.

Houston, meanwhile, has parted ways with two-way big man Rafael Castro. Head coach Ime Udoka explained that the Rockets felt comfortable with their frontcourt depth, which features Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Clint Capela and camp invitee Oscar Tshiebwe. Udoka said the club is considering four or five options to fill the open two-way slot. Tshiebwe and wing Julian Phillips, both on Exhibit 10 deals, are eligible to be converted to two-way contracts and are among the internal candidates.

Mavs treat Macao as evaluation trip, Pelicans finalize G League move

Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May is framing the team’s trip to Macao for two preseason games against the Rockets as a chance to study his roster more than chase wins. He called the excursion a “fact-finding mission,” emphasizing that his focus will be on learning his group’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the season.

Off the court, the New Orleans Pelicans’ G League affiliate is relocating from Birmingham to Kenner and will be rebranded as the Laketown Squadron for the 2026-27 season. Renovations to the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center, owned by the city, have become more expensive and complicated after contractors discovered mould in the ceiling earlier this year. Even so, Pelicans vice-president of operations Stephen Pate said the project remains on schedule and the building is expected to be ready in time for the Squadron’s season tip-off next month.