Why De'Aaron Fox isn't playing tonight vs Heat, injury update

The San Antonio Spurs have officially listed De’Aaron Fox as out for tonight’s matchup against the Miami Heat, as he continues to recover from a right hamstring strain.

Fox suffered the injury during summer workouts in late July or early August 2025, and he announced during team media day that he would miss the start of the 2025–26 regular season. The 27-year-old has yet to make his season debut and currently remains without a timetable to return.

Fox appeared in 17 games last season for San Antonio, averaging 19.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game before undergoing surgery to repair tendon damage in his pinky finger — an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.

Despite Fox’s absence, the Spurs have been one of the league’s early surprises, starting the season 4–0 and holding the second seed in the Western Conference. The backcourt duo of Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper has stepped up impressively in Fox’s place. Castle is averaging 18.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals through four games as a starter, while Harper has contributed 14.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.0 steals off the bench.

The team’s centerpiece, Victor Wembanyama, has led the charge with a dominant 31.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks per game, putting up numbers reminiscent of prime Shaquille O’Neal. Wembanyama has already positioned himself as an early frontrunner for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors.

As for Fox, his next opportunity to return will come when the Spurs face the Phoenix Suns on November 2.

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