Is Victor Wembanyama Playing Vs OKC Thunder? Gregg Popovich Provides Update After Thumping Grizzlies

The battle of the twin giants awaits in the Paycom Center tomorrow. The San Antonio Spurs visit the Oklahoma City Thunder for their last clash this season. The Spurs (20-59) sustain the bottom spot in the Western Conference, while OKC fights to climb up their 3rd seed. Regardless, despite the extensive storylines, fans anticipate a showdown between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren to solidify their matchup for the Rookie of the Year debate. However, it seems like Wembanyama might not be available for the back-to-back scenario.

Gregg Popovich, after the Spurs blowout win against the Memphis Grizzlies, shared that Wemby remains uncertain for the Oklahoma game. His absence will fare heavily on both, Spurs and its fans. Outside Wemby, they’re expected to enter the game with 6 sidelined players.

Charles Bassey (ACL), Jeremy Sochan (left ankle impingement), and Devin Vassell (stress reaction in right foot) have already been declared inactive for the season. Moreover, Keldon Johnson (foot), Cedi Osman (ankle), and Dominick Barlow (knee) did not partake in the last game too. On the other hand, the roster seems much healthier for the Thunder.

With a home-court advantage, OKC has a healthy roster outside of Gordon Hayward, who has missed their last 2 games because of lower leg issues. Moreover, the Thunder are on a 2-game winning streak, having fared well against the Charlotte Hornets and the Sacramento Kings.

Victor Wembanyama vs Chet Holmgren this season

Wembanyama and Holmgren have faced off thrice this season, with the record leaning towards OKC (2-1). So far, the game results have been lopsided, with either team winning by at least 14 points. However, the games have been nothing short of a spectacular watch because Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are the frontrunners on the ROTY ladder.

In those three games, Wembanyama averaged posts 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 4.3 assists against Chet, while the OKC big man managed 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4 assists. While numbers signify Wembanyama to be a step ahead, Chet harbors a more efficient scoring display. Holmgren has converted 50% of his shots against Wemby’s team, while Victor garners a near 41% clip.

This season, Chet’s shooting is probably the biggest edge the 21-year-old has on the Frenchman. He averages 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game on a 52.7% field goal efficiency. Moreover, unlike Wembanyama, Chet has a more through-out approach in picking his shots. Despite playing 9 more games than Victor this season, Chet has attempted nearly 200 fewer field goal attempts. However, the distinction says more about Chet, rather than taking away from Wembanyama’s skillset.

Wembanyama, despite the pressures of greatness and an under-construction roster, has managed to entice fans and analysts alike. Even though it took him some time, he has averaged 21.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.6 blocks this season; historic numbers as a rookie. Moreover, he has fared well against the top centers in the league (Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic), already pitting him amongst the likes of Defensive Player of the Year candidates.

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