De'aaron Fox Questionable For Spurs' Game 5 With Ankle Soreness

The San Antonio Spurs got good news when the league cleared Victor Webanyama to play in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. Now, they’re dealing with a fresh new concern.  

De’Aaron Fox has been listed as questionable for Game 5 on May 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with left ankle soreness. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at Frost Bank Center with the series knotted at 2-2.  

The left ankle soreness is a new concern for Fox, who hasn’t missed a game since March 25. He played 37 minutes in Game 4 on Sunday, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in the Spurs’ 114-109 loss. He only shot 8-for-23 and 1-for-7 from 3-point range.  

Fox’s role, the player who can get into the paint and create when Wembanyama draws extra defensive attention, has been critical to San Antonio’s success this postseason. Over four second-round games, he has averaged 16.8 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals. In the first round against Portland, he put up 21 points and nine assists in the clincher, then went for 28 in Game 4 to help set up the close.  

He has helped keep the Spurs offense moving when Wembanyama is being schemed against and San Antonio relies on him.  

With the series tied and home court back on their side, the Spurs have a chance to reclaim control in Game 5. Doing it without Fox would put enormous pressure on Wembanyama and a supporting cast that has been inconsistent.  

If Fox cannot play, Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson would likely see increased playing time. Harper posted 24 points on 72.7% shooting in Game 4 and has emerged as a reliable secondary creator. Johnson finished with just four points in 17 minutes.  

San Antonio enters Game5 has heavy favorites. The series winner advances to the Western Conference Finals to face the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder–Los Angeles Lakers series.  

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: De'Aaron Fox injury update for Spurs Game 5