Victor Wembanyama Faces Several-Week Absence With Left Calf Strain
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The San Antonio Spurs announced on November 17 that center Victor Wembanyama sustained a left calf strain and will be sidelined for multiple weeks after an MRI confirmed the injury.
The 21-year-old suffered the strain during Friday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors. Although the team did not provide a specific timetable, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the former No. 1 overall pick is expected to miss “a few weeks.” Additional reporting from The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds and ESPN’s Michael C. Wright indicates Wembanyama will be reevaluated in two to three weeks.
Through 12 games, the 7-foot-4 star is averaging 26.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals and an NBA-best 3.6 blocks in 34.7 minutes. He is shooting 50.0% from the field, 34.5% from three and 85.7% at the free-throw line.
Head coach Mitch Johnson held Wembanyama out of Sunday’s win over Sacramento after the big man experienced calf soreness on Friday. Wright noted the center wore a small sleeve on the injured leg in the locker room Sunday but appeared to be in good spirits.
In Wembanyama’s absence, backup center Luke Kornet and veteran forward Kelly Olynyk are expected to see increased minutes. The Spurs are already monitoring a separate injury to second-year guard Stephon Castle, who exited Sunday’s game with a hip issue; his status remains uncertain.
Wembanyama joins a growing list of notable players—including Anthony Davis, Ja Morant and Spurs rookie Dylan Harper—who have recently been diagnosed with calf strains.
Source: Hoops Rumors
