Wembanyama misses the game against the Kings due to calf discomfort
The San Antonio Spurs center, Victor Wembanyama, was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings due to a left calf strain.The team also suffered the loss of sophomore guard Stephon Castle at halftime of Sunday’s game due to a hip injury. Wembanyama, 21 years old, played 38 minutes in San Antonio’s loss against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup on Friday, and contributed 26 points, the most on the team, along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. The performance marked the Frenchman’s third consecutive outing with 25 points and 10 rebounds, matching the longest streak of his career. Johnson said the early start time of Sunday’s game against Sacramento did not factor into the team’s decision to sit Wembanyama.“It’s something he felt,” said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. “I don’t think it was on a specific play. Obviously, we’ve seen in this league recently, the calf strain is not something you want to take lightly. So we have to get more information. We don’t want to push it.”
Mitch Johnson, Spurs Coach
Luke Kornet, a veteran addition, will start in place of Wembanyama. In his third season, Wembanyama averages career highs in points (26.2), rebounds (12.9), and assists (4.0), while leading the league in blocks per game (3.6). In other injury news, rookie guard Dylan Harper (left calf strain) is “progressing,” according to Johnson. Harper suffered the calf injury on November 2, but is no longer wearing a walking boot on his left leg.“Again, with the tightness in the calf, there are certain things you don’t want to be a factor or anything like that,” Johnson said. “So you just need to be clear about what’s going on as a precaution.”
Mitch Johnson, Spurs Coach
“He’s improving,” Johnson said. “He’s not wearing the boot anymore. You have to strengthen that. For every day you were in the boot or off the court, you probably have to do it on the other side. It’ll be good to have him back on the court recovering very soon.”
Mitch Johnson, Spurs Coach
