Spurs sideline Victor Wembanyama with left calf tightness against Kings
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SAN ANTONIO — Center Victor Wembanyama will not play for the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings because of tightness in his left calf, the team announced.
The 21-year-old was initially listed as questionable after reporting discomfort, according to head coach Mitch Johnson. Johnson said the staff is treating the issue cautiously, noting that calf problems can escalate if a player is rushed back.
Wembanyama logged 38 minutes in Friday’s physical NBA Cup defeat to the Golden State Warriors, leading San Antonio with 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. That outing gave the French star his third straight game with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, matching the longest streak of his career, per ESPN research.
Veteran big man Luke Kornet will move into the starting lineup against Sacramento. In his third NBA season, Wembanyama is posting career highs of 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists while pacing the league with 3.6 blocks per game.
The early afternoon tipoff was not a factor in the decision to sit Wembanyama, Johnson added, emphasizing that the medical staff wants to understand the extent of the tightness before clearing him.
Johnson also provided an update on rookie guard Dylan Harper, who has been out since Nov. 2 with a left calf strain. Harper is no longer wearing a walking boot and is gradually increasing his workload, though no return date has been set.
Source: ESPN
