USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The 2023-24 season hasn’t been kind to the San Antonio Spurs. They are a far cry from even a play-in berth, as they stay rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference standings with just four wins and 28 games. To add to their ongoing struggles to find a win, the injury bug has also hit the team, taking down their strongest soldier, Victor Wembanyama. The rookie unicorn has already missed three games this season, two of which were due to an ankle injury.
The Spurs will now welcome their Midwest Division rivals, the Utah Jazz, who are coming off a convincing 126-119 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Will Victor Wembanyama return to action to help the Spurs break their four-game losing skid tonight?
Victor Wemabanama’s injury status upgraded to day-to-day
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Spurs’ center is listed as a game-time decision due to an ankle injury ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Jazz. His issue with an ankle injury was first reported before the team’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, which he missed due to ankle soreness. However, after receiving the green light to return to the lineup, a freak incident during pregame workouts before the team’s game against the Dallas Mavericks sidelined him once again.
Wemby out for the game after stepping on Mavs employee during warmups 🚨 pic.twitter.com/fupZJCHTVP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 24, 2023
While putting up shots, he inadvertently stepped on the foot of the ball boy, twisting his ankle in the process. This incident might have flared up the previous ankle injury, and as a result, he was scratched last minute.
If he decides to sit out tonight, this will be his fourth missed game. He first missed a game on November 1 against the New Orleans Pelicans due to right hip tightness.
In the latest report, however, Coach Pop has confirmed that Wemby will suit up against the Jazz while still dealing with the sore ankle.
Pop says Victor Wembanyama will play tonight, though still dealing with the ankle he twisted in pregame Saturday in Dallas.
Asked if he'd like to see anything changed that can prevent such mishaps in the future, Pop laughed and said, "Maybe ball boys should be more nimble."
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) December 26, 2023
San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz: Injuries and predicted starting lineups
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Along with Wemby, power forward Zach Collins is also listed as day-to-day due to left knee soreness. The Spurs will continue to miss the services of Charles Bassey, who sustained a season-ending left ACL tear. Therefore, if Wemby and Collins decide to rest tonight, the Spurs might start with – Malaki Branham, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Read More: 6’10 at Only Age 12, Mohamed Dabone Might Be Shaping Up To Follow Victor Wembanyama
On the other side of the fence, Talen Horton-Tucker is questionable due to a foot injury. The only player ruled out on the Jazz side is Keyonte George, who is sidelined due to a foot injury. Therefore, the Jazz might start the game with – Kris Dunn, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Kelly Olynyk.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who do you think will emerge victorious tonight? Let us know in the comments!
Watch This Story: Kawhi Leonard Disregards Career Best Stretch for Bigger Picture
