San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons face each other on February 23 with both teams near the top of their conferences. It is a strong matchup on paper, but a few absences on both sides could affect rotations and minutes.Neither team is missing multiple starters, but the unavailable players are in positions that matter. That could change how both teams use their bench and manage matchups during the game.
San Antonio Spurs injury report and rotation outlook vs Detroit Pistons (February 23, 2026)
San Antonio Spurs will be without Mason Plumlee, who is out for reconditioning, and David Jones Garcia, who is out for the season after ankle surgery. Lindy Waters III is listed as questionable with a knee issue.Harrison Ingram and Stanley Umude are not part of the regular rotation. The rest of the core group is expected to play, including Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, Kelly Olynyk, and Luke Kornet.The usual starting group includes Fox and Castle in the backcourt, Vassell on the wing, Barnes or Johnson at forward, and Wembanyama at center. With Plumlee out and Waters uncertain, players like Champagnie, Olynyk, Kornet, Dylan Harper, and Jordan McLaughlin should see more minutes.
Detroit Pistons injury report and rotation outlook vs San Antonio Spurs (February 23, 2026)
Detroit will be without Isaiah Stewart due to suspension. Wendell Moore Jr. is not part of the rotation for this game. Isaac Jones is listed as questionable.The main lineup remains unchanged with Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, and Jalen Duren. The bench includes Ronald Holland II, Paul Reed, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser, Daniss Jenkins, and Javonte Green.With Stewart out, Detroit will rely more on Duren and Reed in the frontcourt. They may also use smaller lineups with Harris or Thompson playing at power forward.
San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Records, form, and playing styles
San Antonio enters the game at 40–16 overall and 18–10 on the road, sitting second in the West. Detroit is 42–13 with a 21–6 home record and leads the East. They have won five straight games.The Spurs score 118.0 points per game and play at a fast pace. They move the ball well and take a high number of three-point shots. Their defense depends on Wembanyama protecting the rim.Detroit scores 117.4 points per game but plays a more controlled style. They allow 109.3 points per game and rely on defense, rebounding, and forcing turnovers.
San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Snapshot table: injuries, records, and stats
| Category | San Antonio Spurs | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Record entering Feb. 23, 2026 | 40–16 overall, 18–10 away | 42–13 overall, 21–6 home |
| Status in conference | 2nd in West | 1st in East |
| Key out | Mason Plumlee (reconditioning), David Jones Garcia (ankle surgery, season), Harrison Ingram & Stanley Umude (non-rotation / two-way) | Isaiah Stewart (suspension), Wendell Moore Jr. (G-League/assignment) |
| Questionable | Lindy Waters III (knee) | Isaac Jones (questionable) |
| Star players | Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell | Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson |
| Team PPG | 118.0 points per game | 117.4 points per game |
| Net rating | +5.9 (top-5) | +8.1 (top-3) |
| Defensive profile | Opponents 112.2 PPG, 45.6 FG%, strong rim protection via Wembanyama | Opponents 109.3 PPG, 44.1 FG%, elite steals and blocks, very physical |
San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons Key players and matchup focus (February 23, 2026)
Wembanyama leads San Antonio with 24.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Fox adds 16.7 points and 6.8 assists, while Castle and Johnson provide support.For Detroit, Cunningham averages 19.9 points and 8.5 assists. Duren handles the inside, Robinson provides shooting, and Thompson contributes on defense.The key areas in this game are the battle in the paint, three-point shooting, and playmaking. Wembanyama against Duren will be important, especially with Stewart unavailable. Perimeter shooting could decide spacing, and the matchup between Fox and Cunningham will shape the tempo.
