Victor Wembanyama doubtful for Wednesday after rib contusion; Spurs expect return this week
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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a rib contusion, the team said Tuesday.
Medical tests conducted after a Monday night collision with Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George confirmed that the 7-foot-4 rookie avoided a serious injury and is considered day-to-day. Team officials are confident he will appear in at least one of the Spurs’ final three regular-season games, satisfying the playing-time requirement for postseason award eligibility.
Wembanyama logged just 15 minutes, 40 seconds in the 108-102 victory over Philadelphia, a total that does not count toward award standards. League rules stipulate that a player must be on the floor for a minimum of 20 minutes in 65 games to qualify. Entering Tuesday, he needs one more 20-minute appearance to remain eligible; he is the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year and an MVP candidate.
After facing Portland on Wednesday, San Antonio closes the season with home contests against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
At 60-19, the Spurs trail the Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16) for the Western Conference’s top seed. San Antonio would have to win out and see Oklahoma City drop at least three of its final four games to overtake the No. 1 spot.
Source: ESPN
