The San Antonio Spurs will take the court Monday night against the Toronto Raptors at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio — but without five vital pieces of their rotation. Despite missing Jeremy Sochan, De'Aaron Fox, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk, and Lindy Waters III due to injuries, the Spurs enter the game a perfect 3-0 and atop the Southwest Division. It’s not just impressive — it’s startling. How are they doing this? The answer lies in depth, defense, and the quiet dominance of Victor Wembanyama.
Who’s Out, and Why?
The injury report released at 1:30 p.m. CT on October 27, 2025, confirmed the Spurs’ list of absences. Jeremy Sochan, the 21-year-old forward, is sidelined with a left wrist sprain suffered on October 16. He missed Opening Night and won’t return until at least November 2. De'Aaron Fox, acquired in the offseason, has been out since October 1 with a right hamstring strain — a recurring issue that’s already cost him four games. His return is also projected for early November. Luke Kornet is recovering from a left ankle sprain, while veteran Kelly Olynyk remains out after left heel surgery in late September. Then there’s Lindy Waters III, whose absence is the most unusual: a bilateral eye procedure — likely related to a vision issue — has kept him off the floor, with a target return of October 30.How Are They Still Winning?
It’s not luck. It’s structure. Head coach Mitch Johnson has leaned hard on defense and ball movement. The Spurs are averaging 11.8 assists per game — third in the NBA — and holding opponents to 102.3 points per 100 possessions, the best mark in the league. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 26.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks, turning every game into a highlight reel. Social media exploded after his 34-point, 12-rebound performance against the Pelicans, with one clip captioned: "VICTOR WEMBANYAMA IS UNREALWHAT IS THIS?!? 🔥🔥🔥🔥" Even more surprising? The emergence of rookie Dylan Harper. In his third NBA game, he dropped 20 points, 6 assists, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals on 8-of-11 shooting — with zero turnovers. His +33 point differential in that game was the highest by a Spurs rookie since Tim Duncan. He’s not just filling minutes; he’s elevating them.
The Raptors’ Side: Poeltl Returns, But Depth Is Thin
The Toronto Raptors will be without three G League two-way players — Chucky Hepburn, A.J. Lawson, and Alijah Martin — but they’ll have Jakob Poeltl back. The 28-year-old center, who had facial trauma from a late-game collision last week, will play wearing a protective mask. His presence stabilizes their interior defense, but Toronto’s bench is thin. They’ve lost three of their last four games, including a 12-point home loss to the Pistons on Friday.What This Game Means
This isn’t just about a 4-0 start. It’s about perception. Last season, the Spurs finished 20-62 — the worst record in the Western Conference. Fans were ready to write off the rebuild. Now? They’re talking playoffs. The Spurs’ ability to win without Fox — their presumed second star — and Sochan — their defensive glue — signals something deeper: this team has chemistry, identity, and resilience. They’re not just surviving; they’re thriving. Betting markets reflect that confidence. As of Monday morning, the San Antonio Spurs are -4.5 point favorites with a -178 moneyline. That’s not just a home-court advantage — it’s a statement. The Raptors, at +4.5 and +150, are underdogs for a reason: they lack the offensive firepower to keep pace if Wembanyama finds his rhythm.
What’s Next?
If the Spurs win, they’ll be 4-0 for the first time since 2017. But the real test comes after this game. Sochan and Fox are both expected to return around November 2 — right before a back-to-back against the Suns and Clippers. That’s when the real question arises: Can this team sustain elite play with a full roster? Or was this 3-0 run a fluke fueled by weak opponents and a hot streak? The answer might come sooner than we think. For now, the message is clear: San Antonio isn’t rebuilding anymore. They’re redefining.Frequently Asked Questions
How are the Spurs managing to win without De'Aaron Fox and Jeremy Sochan?
The Spurs are relying on elite defense, unselfish ball movement, and Victor Wembanyama’s transcendent play. They rank first in opponent points per 100 possessions and third in assists. Rookie Dylan Harper has stepped up with clutch performances, while role players like Tre Jones and Keldon Johnson have increased their scoring load. It’s not one star carrying them — it’s a system.
When will De'Aaron Fox and Jeremy Sochan return?
Both players are expected to return no earlier than November 2, 2025. Fox’s hamstring strain is a recurring issue, so the Spurs are being cautious. Sochan’s wrist sprain is healing well, but he needs full mobility before returning to contact play. Their return could reshape the team’s offensive flow, especially with Fox’s pace and playmaking.
Why is Lindy Waters III out for a bilateral eye procedure?
Waters underwent a minor surgical procedure to correct a vision issue that affected his depth perception and reaction time — likely due to lingering effects from a previous eye injury. The team called it "routine," but it’s unusual for an NBA player. He’s expected back by October 30, and his return will boost the Spurs’ perimeter defense and three-point shooting.
Is this Spurs team for real, or is their 3-0 start misleading?
Their opponents so far — the Mavericks, Pelicans, and Grizzlies — are all rebuilding teams. But the way they’ve played — with discipline, intensity, and cohesion — suggests this isn’t luck. Their defensive rating is elite, their ball movement is crisp, and Wembanyama is playing like a MVP candidate. If they maintain this level, they’re a playoff lock.
How does Jakob Poeltl playing with a face mask affect the Raptors?
Poeltl’s mask may slightly reduce his peripheral vision, but he’s played through similar injuries before. His presence stabilizes Toronto’s paint defense and rim protection — critical against Wembanyama’s driving and passing. However, without depth behind him, the Raptors risk foul trouble if Poeltl struggles with timing. His leadership matters more than his stats in this matchup.
What’s the biggest threat to the Spurs’ perfect record?
The biggest threat isn’t the Raptors — it’s fatigue and complacency. The Spurs have played four games in eight days, and their rotation is stretched thin. If Wembanyama gets double-teamed early and the bench fails to maintain momentum, they could lose momentum. Their next two games — against Phoenix and LA — will be the true test of whether this team belongs among the West’s elite.
