Wembanyama, last-minute absence for the Spurs game
The San Antonio Spurs’ center, Victor Wembanyama, was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings due to a left calf strain.Wembanyama, 21, played 38 minutes in the Spurs’ loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday in the NBA Cup, where he contributed 26 points (the team’s highest), 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. This performance marked his third consecutive game with 25 points and 10 rebounds, matching his longest streak in his career. Johnson stated that the early start time of Sunday’s game against Sacramento did not influence the team’s decision not to play 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, that calf strain is not something to be taken lightly. So, we have to get more information. We don’t want to push it.”
Mitch Johnson, Spurs Coach
Luke Kornet, veteran player, 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), in addition to leading the league in blocks per game (3.6).“Again, with the tension in the calf, there are certain things you don’t want to be a bigger problem,” Johnson explained. “So, we just need to be sure of what’s happening as a precaution.”
Mitch Johnson, Spurs Coach
Update on Dylan Harper’s Injury
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.“He’s improving,” Johnson said. “He’s not wearing the boot anymore. You just have to strengthen that. For every day you were in the boot or off the court, you probably have to make up for it. It’ll be good to have him back on the court increasing the intensity very soon”.
Mitch Johnson, Spurs Coach
