It has been just two games, but the Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder have turned into a battle of attrition.

The Spurs came into the series without starting point guard De’Aaron Fox.

Heading into Game 3 on Saturday, May 23 (Philippine time) in San Antonio, with the series tied one game apiece, the Spurs also could be without rookie guard Dylan Harper.

Harper injured his right adductor muscle in the third quarter of a 122-113 loss in Game 2. Fox and Harper are listed as questionable for Game 3.

Oklahoma looked like it was back to full health when Jalen Williams started Game 1 after missing the previous six games with a hamstring injury. But Williams left early in Game 2 after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring.

Williams missed extended time this season due to a pair of right hamstring injuries.

Oklahoma was 39-10 without Williams during the regular season and won all six playoff games he missed. He is questionable.

Oklahoma appears to have avoided a major injury to guard Ajay Mitchell, who started in place of Williams in those six playoff games and has been a major factor in the Thunder’s success.

Mitchell went down grabbing his leg in the final minute, but said afterward that he would be ready to go for Game 3. He did not appear on the injury report.

Stephon Castle serves as a key cog for the youthful Spurs even when Fox and Harper are healthy. But without them, he becomes even more vital.

Castle averaged 21 points and 9.5 assists in the first two games of the series — but also averaged 10 turnovers.

San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said confidence in the 21-year-old Castle remains high.

Alex Caruso has been a major factor for the Thunder in the first two games, scoring 48 points in the first two games of the series after scoring 61 total in Oklahoma City’s first eight playoff games. He also has been central to the Thunder’s defensive plan. (Field Level Media / Reuters)