Spurs Injury Scare: Why Victor Wembanyama Will Miss His First Game of the Season vs the Pelicans?

Excitement surrounds the upcoming game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans. And yet, a last-minute surprise has set fans on tenterhooks. The Spurs’ latest sensation, Victor Wembanyama, will likely miss his first match of the season. And for Popovich and his men, who are desperate for redemption, alarm bells are now ringing. 

The Spurs are looking to brush off their loss to the Hawks, as they are poised to play the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Wembanyama’s availability is a shadow that looms over what appears to be an eager team that is ready to do away with its current losing streak.

A tough loss and a quick turnaround.

To the dismay of fans, the head coach of Spurs, Gregg Popovich, suggested that Wembanyama may not participate in the game fearing burnouts of back-after-back games. Reportedly, the player has tightness in his right hip. As Wemby is listed as questionable, trouble seems to be brewing in the Spurs camp.

Meanwhile, after defeating the 76ers, the Pelicans will likely give Spurs a tough time. With Wembanyama not in the lineup, San Antonio shall have to rally the troops and adopt different ways of curbing the momentum.

Spurs’ defensive deepen Without Wembanyama Against Pelicans and Williamson

The absence of the towering 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama leaves a significant void in the Spurs’ defensive lineup, amplifying their existing challenges. Currently surrendering the third-highest points per game in the league at 124.1, San Antonio struggles, especially in defending the paint—an Achilles’ heel that could spell trouble against Zion Williamson.

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Williamson, fresh from a remarkable performance against the 76ers, poses a formidable threat. Scoring 33 points on an impressive 11/11 shooting initially, his near-historic display showcased his scoring prowess. With the Spurs’ defensive vulnerabilities, Williamson could exploit the paint, further complicating San Antonio’s task of containing him.

While the Spurs shine in ball movement, ranking third in the NBA with 29.3 assists per game, their defensive lapses might offset this offensive strength. New Orleans, coming off a game with 21 turnovers against the 76ers, must prioritize ball security to capitalize on the Spurs’ weaknesses without Wembanyama.

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As both teams face a tight schedule, the Pelicans must strategically navigate a quick turnaround, heading to Chicago and then Sacramento for the Quarterfinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament.