Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson Names Three Guard Lineup for Opener

New Look for San Antonio

San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson made his decision clear on Friday. The team will start a three guard lineup in Tuesday's season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper will start together in the backcourt. They will share the floor with Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama. Johnson confirmed that he plans to start this group for the opening game.

How the Trio Has Performed

The Spurs first tested this starting unit during a preseason win against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. San Antonio was plus 10 in the 11 minutes that the three guards played together.

The group struggled with shooting early against Phoenix, going 2 of 9 on 3 pointers. Vassell and Wembanyama missed all six of their 3 point attempts combined during that stretch. Despite playing with a smaller group, San Antonio won the rebounding battle 13 to 11 in those minutes.

Wembanyama recorded 24 total touches while sharing the court with the three guards. He also brought the ball up the floor five times. He noted that having multiple handlers around him helps create pick and roll opportunities.

The three guards played 69 minutes together last season, including 25 minutes in the NBA Finals. Opponents outscored them by 47 points during those minutes. Still, Johnson wants to start his five best players together this season rather than bringing one off the bench.

The combination showed positive signs on Friday against the Sacramento Kings. Fox, Castle, and Harper scored 19 points in the first quarter as San Antonio built a 42 to 18 lead. Fox explained that having multiple creators allows the team to generate easier shots.

What it means for the next game

Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (NBA, Wed, 21 Oct): San Antonio Spurs win 52%, Oklahoma City Thunder win 48%; projected score San Antonio Spurs 116, Oklahoma City Thunder 113. Our safest pick: Thunder +10.5.

Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (NBA, Sat, 24 Oct): San Antonio Spurs win 67%, Houston Rockets win 33%; projected score San Antonio Spurs 116, Houston Rockets 109. Our safest pick: Spurs to win.