Regardless of a rocky begin to the 2024-25 NBA common season, the San Antonio Spurs stay optimistic about their future, thanks largely to the spectacular performances of Victor Wembanyama. The French heart has been a pivotal participant, charming followers along with his expertise and making a decisive impression in most video games. Nevertheless, the staff obtained disappointing information forward of Tuesday’s matchup in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
In response to reporter Matthew Tynan, the San Antonio Spurs have dominated Victor Wembanyama out for Tuesday evening’s recreation vs. the Thunder on the AT&T Middle, the second contest of the NBA Cup opening spherical.
The explanation for Wemby’s absence is identical harm that stored him out of Saturday’s recreation in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks—a proper knee contusion that has hampered his means to play at full power. The harm occurred throughout Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers, the place Wembanyama collided knees with Anthony Davis. Though he was in a position to return to complete that recreation, the lingering results have sidelined him for consecutive matchups.
The significance of Wembanyama
Wembanyama‘s absence leaves a noticeable void for the Spurs. Because the staff’s main scorer, he has averaged 22.7 factors per recreation in 13 appearances, rating thirty first within the league. On protection, his impression is equally important, averaging 8.2 defensive rebounds per recreation, inserting him among the many NBA’s prime ten in that class.
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Paul #3 react to a name in motion in opposition to the Washington Wizards within the second half at Frost Financial institution Middle on November 13, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
With out their younger star, the Spurs have struggled to compete. Saturday’s defeat to Dallas highlighted simply how crucial Wembanyama is to the staff’s success, emphasizing the challenges they face with out him on the court docket.
Extra harm considerations for the Spurs
Interim coach Mitch Johnson has extra worries past Wembanyama’s absence: Taking pictures guard Devin Vassell is listed as questionable for the Thunder matchup as a result of left knee soreness. Vassell, 24, has endured a difficult yr, following surgical procedure for a stress fracture in his proper foot late final season.
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NBA Information: Lakers’ Anthony Davis makes one thing clear on competing with Spurs’ Wembanyama
If each Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell are unavailable, the San Antonio Spurs will face an uphill battle in opposition to a Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder staff desperate to capitalize on their vulnerabilities.
