San Antonio welcomed two key players back to the court on Sunday, while Indiana leaned on Pascal Siakam for a critical road victory and New Orleans maintained it has not opened trade discussions involving several core contributors.
Spurs
Star center Victor Wembanyama and 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle took part in full practice sessions for the first time since their respective injuries, according to Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. Reserve guard Jordan McLaughlin also practiced.
Wembanyama has missed 10 consecutive games after straining his left calf on Nov. 15. The 7-foot-4 rookie is not expected to suit up Monday against New Orleans and is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal at the Los Angeles Lakers. Castle has been sidelined nine games with a left hip flexor strain and is likely to return Monday, ESPN’s Michael C. Wright reported. McLaughlin remains out with a right hamstring strain.
San Antonio enters the week at 15-7, fifth in the Western Conference.
Pacers
The Pacers secured a 117-109 win Friday in Chicago, their third victory in five outings since opening the season 2-16, Dustin Dopirak of the Indy Star noted. Head coach Rick Carlisle said “a lot of elements” must align for the club to succeed on the road.
Pascal Siakam delivered 36 points, 10 rebounds and five three-pointers to pace Indiana against the Bulls.
Pelicans
Despite outside speculation surrounding Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, the Pelicans have not initiated trade talks involving any of the three, Rod Walker of NOLA.com reported. New Orleans owns the NBA’s worst record at 3-21 but, internally, the club’s stance has not changed.
All three teams resume play Monday as the league calendar tightens ahead of this week’s NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Source: Hoops Wire
