Rookie guard Stephon Castle ($6,200) has been a bright spot in what has been a difficult few weeks for the San Antonio Spurs after All-Star center Victor Wembanyama suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. The fourth overall pick has now scored double-digit points in each of his last six games despite coming off the bench for Chris Paul ($5,200) and De’Aaron Fox ($8,900), and he is a clear favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
Castle was expected to be a major contributor tonight as San Antonio hosts the injury-riddled Dallas Mavericks for an 8:30 p.m. ET clash, given that he’s averaging 23.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists (38.1 FPTS) in his past five games and the Mavericks’ defensive deficiencies since in recent weeks. However, he was a late addition to the injury report for tonight’s game, as he was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
If he doesn’t play, his running mate in the second unit, Julian Champagnie ($3,800), should see an increase in shots. San Antonio’s deeper bench options, including Blake Wesley ($3,000) and Jordan McLaughlin ($3,000), could receive more playing time. For the Spurs, power forward Jeremy Sochan ($5,000) is doubtful with a calf injury and center Charles Bassey ($5,100) has been ruled out with a knee issue. If Castle sits, San Antonio will start an extremely thin squad tonight, so many of the Spurs’ cheaper players could be value options, not just Champagnie, Wesley, and McLaughlin.
