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De’Aaron Fox was listed as questionable for the Spurs’ pivotal Game 5 matchup against the Timberwolves as San Antonio attempts to regain control of the tied playoff series alongside Victor Wembanyama.

The San Antonio Spurs may be facing another major obstacle ahead of the most pivotal game of their season.

Star guard De’Aaron Fox was listed as questionable Monday for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of left ankle soreness.

The injury designation is a new concern for Fox, who has not missed a game since March 25 and has become one of San Antonio’s most important playoff performers during its postseason run.

The best-of-seven series is tied 2-2 entering Tuesday night’s crucial matchup in San Antonio after Minnesota rallied for a 114-109 victory in Game 4.

De’Aaron Fox Injury Status Looms Over Spurs-Timberwolves Game 5

Fox has averaged 16.8 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals across four games in the second-round series while helping stabilize San Antonio’s offense alongside Victor Wembanyama.

If Fox cannot play, the Spurs would likely lean more heavily on rookie guard Dylan Harper and veteran wing Keldon Johnson for expanded offensive responsibilities.

Harper already showed flashes of that potential after Wembanyama’s shocking ejection in Game 4.

The second overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft delivered key late-game plays Sunday, finishing a frantic comeback push with a rebound, steal and two free throws that briefly cut Minnesota’s lead to three in the closing seconds.

“Just trying to be what the team needed me to be,” Harper said. “I think I did OK. Obviously the main goal is to win. We didn’t get that done.”

Victor Wembanyama Cleared to Play After Flagrant 2 Ejection

The Spurs did receive major news Monday regarding Wembanyama.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the All-Star big man will not face additional discipline for elbowing Naz Reid during Game 4 and will be available for Game 5.

Wembanyama was ejected with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter after officials upgraded his offensive foul to a Flagrant 2 following video review.

The 7-foot-4 superstar struck Reid in the jaw and neck area while battling for rebounding position, sending the Timberwolves forward spinning to the floor.

Referee Zach Zarba announced the upgrade after review, triggering an automatic ejection.

According to ESPN Research, Wembanyama’s ejection was the earliest an All-Star has been tossed from a playoff game in the play-by-play era, which dates back to the 1997-98 season.

Teams are now just 1-8 when an All-Star is ejected from a playoff game before the fourth quarter.

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Rally to Even Spurs Series

Even after Wembanyama’s exit, the Timberwolves struggled for stretches to seize control.

Anthony Edwards scored 36 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, to power Minnesota’s comeback after San Antonio briefly grabbed momentum early in the final period.

Fox drilled a 3-pointer that helped give the Spurs an eight-point lead before Edwards sparked Minnesota’s closing surge.

The Timberwolves finally pulled ahead for good after Edwards buried a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer with just over five minutes remaining.

Rudy Gobert and Reid then punished San Antonio inside without Wembanyama protecting the rim.

Gobert finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds, while Reid added 15 points and nine boards despite taking the elbow from Wembanyama earlier in the game.

“We have a resilient group of guys,” Gobert said. “No matter the circumstances, we are going to keep fighting and give everything we have and keep trusting one another.”

Spurs Facing Massive Pressure Entering Pivotal Game 5

Now the focus shifts squarely to Fox’s health.

San Antonio already survived the emotional fallout of Wembanyama’s ejection to nearly steal Game 4 on the road.

But losing Fox as well would create another massive challenge against a Timberwolves team regaining momentum behind Edwards’ explosive scoring and Minnesota’s physical frontcourt.

With the series tied and the Western Conference finals looming for the winner, Fox’s status may ultimately become the defining storyline entering Game 5.