The San Antonio Spurs produced a rare victory amid their second stretch of losing streak. Rookie Victor Wembanyama put up a great show to steal the game against the Portland Trail Blazers and take home the fifth win of the season. Following that win, the Spurs have an opportunity to win their 6th game as they have an immediate rematch against the Blazers tonight. But, at the same time, the Spurs have a worrying injury report on the French baller ahead of the game.
The Spurs took on the shorthanded Blazers in their last outing and produced a blowout 105-118 victory. The Portland team stepped on the court without their stars like Deandre Ayton, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III. However, the second outing wouldn’t have a similar equation, as the Spurs could miss out on their rookie star, Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama – Injury report
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Ahead of the two-game match-up against the Blazers in Portland, the Spurs teammate made it clear of Victor Wembanyama‘s unavailability for the Friday game, reported Reuters. The article stated that the team required the 19-year-old to work on full strength, as he is still recovering from the right ankle injury.
As intimated earlier, the Spurs look to stand by their decision as a recent injury report revealed confirmed the unavailability of the French baller.
San Antonio Express news reporter Jeff McDonald shared Wemby’s injury report via his X handle, as he quoted head coach Greg Popovich. The post read, “Pop says it is “mandated” that Victor Wembanyama be on a minutes restriction and not play in back-to-backs for “a couple weeks.”” Moreover, the post also read that Wembanyama will get another MRI on his ankle to further determine the severity of the injury.
Pop says it is "mandated" that Victor Wembanyama be on a minutes restriction and not play in back-to-backs for "a couple weeks."
At that point, Wemby will get another MRI on his ankle and the medical staff will determine if there should be changes to the protocol.
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) December 30, 2023
Apart from the injury reports, the Spurs had an excellent opportunity to win back-to-back, considering the unavailability of certain star players on the Blazers’ roster.
Read More – 3x NBA Champion Erupts in Bewilderment as 7’4 Victor Wembanyama Gets a “Greatest Ever” Title
Let’s predict the possible starting line-up for the Friday night match-up.
Predicted lineups: Blazers vs Spurs
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After losing to San Antonio Spurs, a team that barely manages to win games this season, the Blazers would look to close this two-game series with a win. As mentioned earlier, the team is short-handed. The stars – Deandre Ayton, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III – are not available. The possible line-up includes Anfernee Simons, Malcolm Brogdon, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, Moses Brown.
In the case of San Antonio Spurs, two centers didn’t make it past the injury report. Namely, Victor Wembanyama and Charles Bassey. The possible starting line-up includes Malaki Branham, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan, and Zach Collins.
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What do you make of the injury report? Will it further push the Spurs into the deep waters? Let us know in the comments below.