Wembanyama Joins Spurs Trip; Smart Close to Return; Jones Rejoins Pelicans; Sheppard Out 10+ Days
nba-injury-update-wembanyama-smart-jones-sheppard-2025
December 8, 2025 — San Antonio, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Indianapolis
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will accompany the team to Los Angeles for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Lakers, head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters. Johnson did not confirm whether the rookie star will play. Wembanyama fully practiced Sunday but missed his 11th consecutive game Monday after straining his left calf on November 15.
The 7-foot-4 No. 1 pick from the 2023 draft is averaging 26.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.6 blocks across 34.7 minutes in 12 appearances this season.
More injury updates around the league
Lakers: Los Angeles hopes to have guard Marcus Smart back for Wednesday’s meeting with San Antonio. The former Defensive Player of the Year has missed six games with a back problem now labeled a left lumbar muscle strain. Smart completed an on-court workout Sunday in Philadelphia, and head coach JJ Redick said the 12-year veteran remains day-to-day.
Pelicans: Defensive specialist Herbert Jones returned Monday against the Spurs after sitting out eight games with a right calf strain. In his first action since November 11, Jones posted 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block in 26 minutes. His name has surfaced in trade speculation as New Orleans has stumbled to a 3-22 record.
Pacers: Rookie guard Ben Sheppard has a Grade 1 strain in his left calf and will miss at least 10 additional days, head coach Rick Carlisle said. The Belmont product has already been sidelined for two games and is expected to be out for at least three more, with December 20 at New Orleans marked as the earliest possible return.
Source: Hoops Rumors
