San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will not play in the upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a left knee injury. This decision follows an MRI that indicated no ligament damage after Wembanyama hyperextended his knee in a recent game against the New York Knicks.
Injury Update on Wembanyama
Wembanyama did not accompany the Spurs for their match against the Indiana Pacers, which they won 123-113. Team officials opted for him to remain in San Antonio for treatment at the Victory Capital Performance Center. He was declared out for the Blazers matchup on Saturday.
Missed Games and Impact on Postseason Eligibility
This marks the 14th game that Wembanyama has missed this season. According to NBA regulations, players must participate in 65 out of 82 regular-season games to qualify for postseason awards. Wembanyama can only miss three more games to remain eligible for these accolades.
Details of the Injury
The injury occurred during the game against the Knicks, with 10:32 left on the clock. Wembanyama was contesting a rebound with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson when he landed awkwardly. He immediately reached for his knee and was aided by teammate Stephon Castle as he made his way off the court. Despite the setback, Wembanyama returned to the bench wearing team warmups and finished the game with 31 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes.
Previous Injuries This Season
Earlier this season, Wembanyama missed 12 games due to a left calf strain. He returned on December 13 during the NBA Cup semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Initially, he came off the bench for six games before earning his first start on December 27 in a loss to the Utah Jazz.
Current Performance Statistics
- Points Per Game: 24.3
- Rebounds Per Game: 11.7
- Blocks Per Game: 2.9
The Spurs will next compete on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, following their game against the Trail Blazers.
