Spurs Gear Up for Stretch Run With Playoff Hopes

From Victor Wembanyama's awards eligibility to Harrison Barnes' new bench role, key storylines to watch as San Antonio makes playoff push

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The San Antonio Spurs enter the final 28 games of the NBA season in second place in the Western Conference, just two games behind the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. With a favorable remaining schedule and the head-to-head tiebreaker over OKC, the Spurs are poised to secure a high playoff seed. However, they'll need to navigate several key storylines, including keeping rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama healthy and eligible for major awards, determining Harrison Barnes' role off the bench, and deciding whether to add reinforcements via the buyout market.

Why it matters

After six seasons out of the playoffs, the Spurs' return to contention is a major development for the franchise and its loyal fanbase. How they handle these final weeks could determine whether they make a deep postseason run or simply return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

The details

The Spurs enter the home stretch with a 38-16 record, four games ahead of the third-place Denver Nuggets in the loss column and just two games behind the Thunder for the top spot in the West. Their remaining schedule is the second-easiest among top-6 West teams, while Denver and OKC face the two toughest slates. The Spurs also hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Thunder. Keeping Wembanyama healthy and on the court for 65 games is crucial for his individual awards eligibility, while the team must also determine if veteran forward Harrison Barnes' new role coming off the bench will stick. The Spurs have one open roster spot and may look to add depth via the buyout market, though any addition is unlikely to be a game-changer. Rookie forward Carter Bryant has also played his way into potentially earning minutes in the Spurs' playoff rotation.

  • The Spurs defeated the Golden State Warriors in their final game before the All-Star break on February 11, 2026.
  • The Spurs have 28 games remaining in the regular season, starting with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns in Austin on February 20, 2026.
  • The NBA's annual midseason All-Star break does not come at the exact midpoint of the season, as the Spurs are already 54 games into their 82-game schedule.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' 23-year-old All-Star center, who is on track to win Defensive Player of the Year and earn All-NBA honors if he can play in at least 65 games this season.

De'Aaron Fox

The Spurs' 28-year-old starting point guard, who noted that the team is already 54 games into the season despite the All-Star break.

Harrison Barnes

The Spurs' 33-year-old veteran forward, who had started 775 consecutive games before recently moving to a bench role.

Mitch Johnson

The Spurs' head coach, who has settled on a starting lineup of Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Wembanyama.

Carter Bryant

The Spurs' rookie forward, who has played his way into potentially earning minutes in the team's playoff rotation.

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What they’re saying

“First half? We're 54 games in.”

— De'Aaron Fox, Spurs guard (San Antonio Express-News)

“Fifty-four games in, the Spurs are poised to make a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.”

— Jeff Mcdonald, Sports writer (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The Spurs have three remaining games against the Denver Nuggets, which could go a long way toward determining the top of the Western Conference standings.

The takeaway

The Spurs' return to contention after six seasons out of the playoffs is a major development for the franchise and its fans. How they navigate the final stretch, from keeping Wembanyama healthy to integrating new rotation pieces, will be crucial in determining whether they can make a deep postseason run.