After hyperextending his left knee against the New York Knicks, scans on San Antonio Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama came back clean, allowing Spurs fans to finally exhale.
The 7 footer did not travel with the team to Indianapolis for their game against the Pacers, opting instead to undergo an MRI and stay home to recuperate. That being said, he will carry a questionable designation for Saturday’s home game vs. the Trail Blazers, though sources say the team is leaning towards giving him some extra time on the sidelines.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Wembanyama told them that he didn’t anticipate being out long term. “It was just a hyperextension, so it should be minimal,” he said. “I was confident. I was this close to coming back in the game. [They] had to hold me back.”
The 3rd year centre already missed 12 games earlier this season due to a left calf strain. With an injury to the same knee now in the mix as well, San Antonio would likely be wise to slow play his return to action. Wembanyama currently leads the team in scoring (24ppg), rebounds (11.6 per game), and blocks (3 per game), and is a massive deterrent on the defensive end of the court that even advanced statistics can’t properly capture.
The Spurs currently boast the 2nd best record in the Western Conference at 24-9 on the season. They, along with the rest of the NBA, continue to chase the red hot Oklahoma City Thunder (29-5), though the Spurs have had their number so far this season. Of OKC’s 5 losses, 3 have come to San Antonio, including 2 defeats in the span of 2 days heading into the holidays.
If Wembanyama doesn’t suit up for the team’s game against Portland, then he will have until January 6th to recover before his team takes on the Memphis Grizzlies.
Photo: Frenchieinportland. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.