The San Antonio Spurs are back in action tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers for Game 4, and all eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama’s status. The Spurs have a chance to take a 3-1 series lead and bring the series back home on Tuesday, while Portland will look to even things up and avoid a third loss.
Wembanyama has been in concussion protocol after slamming his face onto the hardwood in a troubling sequence in Game 2 on April 21. The 22-year-old was visibly in pain as he stumbled on a drive and absorbed brutal, raising further concern about his condition.
The Spurs lost Game 2 106-103 but bounced back with a 120-108 win in Game 3 as Wembanyama watched in street clothes. The 7’4″ big man has been quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career. After a strong end to the regular season, where he carried the Spurs to their first playoff appearance since 2017, averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 51.2% shooting, Wembanyama has continued to contribute steadily.
He had been on a strong pace to guide the Spurs to the second round, but his current status now puts that in doubt. He scored 35 points in Game 1 on 13-21 shooting, including 5-6 from three-point range.
He is listed as questionable for Game 4. According to head coach Mitch Johnson, the player is feeling good but is still in the concussion protocol.
“We are still working through the process,” said Johnson. “We will continue to work with the NBA, and that’s the update for now. Obviously, that will be until we get to tomorrow’s game, and then we will see where we’re at.”
“I’ve seen Victor now for three years, and when he’s not on the court, he’s always chomping at the bit to get out on the court,” Johnson said, according to the Express News. “I don’t think that will ever change. And I know he’s doing everything he can to continue to do what he’s doing in front of to get back on the court.”
Wembanyama, who became the league’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, was seen doing pre-game drills as he works his way back to full fitness.
Despite Wembanyama’s absence, San Antonio’s depth is not under strain but will be further tested if he misses significant time. The Spurs have leaned on younger players, including Dylan Harper, who became the second-youngest player in NBA history to score 20 or more points off the bench in a playoff game, as they try to stay competitive in the series.
The Spurs are expected to monitor Wembanyama’s status as per NBA requirements and make a decision on whether he will be able to suit up or not.
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