Victor Wembanyama worked out on Wednesday and is ‘hopeful’ of travelling with the San Antonio Spurs to Portland for Game Three on Friday night.
Wembanyama was placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol after hitting his chin on the court during the 106-103 Game Two win for the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the French superstar did a light work out yesterday and remains in contention to play on Friday.
Charania said: “I’m told Victor Wembanyama was able to participate in cardio work here late Wednesday because his symptoms didn’t worsen. He wasn’t feeling worse than he did when he suffered that concussion.
“As of right now, my understanding is he is hopeful that he’ll be able to travel with the team to Portland on Thursday. But whether he’s able to clear concussion protocol in time to play in Game 3 on Friday in Portland is an obvious question and jeopardy for the Spurs because there are guidelines and protocol when it comes to the concussion policy.”
More hurdles for Wembanyama to overcome
The fact Wembanyama’s symptoms have not worsened since the injury occurred is one hurdle overcome but there are several more before the recently crowned NBA Defensive Player of the Year is cleared to play.
Charania added: “This is a process that’s going to be seen by not only the Spurs medical staff, but the league’s concussion protocol director. And he has to check boxes every single day. He has to clear neurological exams every single day.
“What we know about the Spurs is they’re going to always err on the side of caution, especially with someone like Victor Wembanyama. And what we also know with concussions is it’s not always a straight line. So the Spurs are taking this day by day. We’ll know more on Thursday about whether he’ll be able to play on Friday.”
Spurs rally round stricken Wembanyama
Wembanyama suffered the injury driving to the basket under pressure from Portland’s Jrue Holiday. His team-mates immediately rushed to his side before the Frenchman was able to run to the locker rooms unaided.
“I was just checking on him, making sure he was okay,” team-mate Stephon Castle said. “I was subbing in. Obviously, he ran off [the floor]. So, that’s a good sign.” Fellow Spurs star Keldon Johnson added: “We’re hoping for the best, but I haven’t heard anything. Obviously, it’s a big hit that we don’t have the big fellow. But we’re a good team and we’ll continue to stay together, have each other’s back and do what got us here.”
His absence in Portland would be a blow for the Spurs but they have proved they can cope without him this season, winning all three regular-season games against the Trail Blazers with Wembanyama not playing in any of them.
“We’ve played tough games without him,” Castle said. “Obviously we want everybody healthy and to have him on the court. But whatever five guys are on the court [for Game 3], we’re going to play like ourselves.”
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