Victor Wembanyama Sidelined With Calf Strain; Suns Ink Jamaree Bouyea; Paul George Poised for Sixers Debut
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Spurs
San Antonio confirmed that rookie center Victor Wembanyama has a left calf strain revealed by an MRI. The 7-foot-4 standout was injured during Friday’s loss to Golden State and did not play Sunday as the club monitors his recovery. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the 20-year-old is expected to miss several weeks.
Through 12 appearances, Wembanyama is averaging 26.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and an NBA-best 3.6 blocks in 34.7 minutes, shooting 50 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three-point range. Head coach Mitch Johnson said the strain surfaced Friday, prompting immediate testing. According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright, Wembanyama remained in good spirits afterward, wearing only a light sleeve on the calf.
Suns
The Phoenix Suns are adjusting their two-way slate, signing guard Jamaree Bouyea and waiving rookie CJ Huntley to create room, Charania reported. Bouyea, 24, had been playing for the G League’s Austin Spurs after short NBA stops in Miami, Washington, Portland, San Antonio and Milwaukee. He owns career averages of 2.8 points across 19 NBA games. Bouyea joins fellow two-way players Koby Brea and Isaiah Livers on Phoenix’s roster.
Sixers
Paul George is expected to make his season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, per Charania. The forward participated fully in Sunday’s practice alongside Joel Embiid, PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck reported. George missed the season’s first 12 games while recovering from offseason knee surgery after posting 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists last year—his lowest scoring average since 2011-12.
Philadelphia enters the game 7-5 despite Embiid appearing in only six contests. Forward Trendon Watford has started the last four matchups, contributing 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per night.
Source: Hoops Wire
