The Spurs’ young star has been out a month, but could be primed to return for Saturday’s blockbuster NBA Cup matchup.
SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs All-Star who has sat out the last month with a calf strain, is “likely to return” to game action for Saturday’s blockbuster matchup against the Thunder, according to ESPN insiders.
The network’s Shams Charania reported that “final clearance will come” after Friday practice for the 21-year-old center. Wemby averaged 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.6 blocks in 12 games to start his third season.
Head coach Mitch Johnson hinted at Wembanyama’s looming return, saying it’s “very much” possible he could suit up against Oklahoma City.
“He had a really good day today,” the head coach said Wednesday. “He had a very intense day this morning, and we’ll have to see how he responds or reacts tomorrow.”
San Antonio (17-7) has managed to maintain a top-five spot in the West in Wembanyama’s absence, going 9-3 and convincingly upsetting the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday night to secure the team’s first-ever NBA Cup Semifinal. That game, scheduled for 8 p.m. CT Saturday night against the defending champions Oklahoma City, now grows in can’t-miss stature as fans potentially prepare to watch two of the league’s best young stars – and best young teams – face off.
The Spurs and Thunder will get familiar with each other as 2025 comes to a close: Saturday’s NBA Cup matchup will be the first of three matchups in 12 days between the two squads. Oklahoma City has jumped to a historic start, going 24-1 to match the 2015-16 Warriors for the best 25-game start in NBA history.
San Antonio’s injury report for Saturday’s hardwood battle could paint a clearer picture of Wembanyama’s status. It’ll be available sometime Friday evening.
The winner of Saturday’s game will go on to face the winner of the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks in the in-season tourney championship, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.