As Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said was likely, Victor Wembanyama has been listed as probable and is expected to make his return from a calf strain on Saturday in an NBA Cup semifinals matchup against Oklahoma City.
After the Spurs advanced to Las Vegas and the NBA Cup semifinals, Johnson said, “(Wemby) had a really good day today. He had a very intense day this morning, and we have to see how he responds and reacts tomorrow.” It was a positive sign that after a hard workout earlier in the day, Wembanyama warmed up before the Spurs/Lakers game, moving well and not wearing a wrap or support on his calf.
“If it was only me, I would have came back earlier,” Wembanyama said Friday in Las Vegas, after saying he knew he had to listen to the Spurs training staff. “But I think it’s more reasonable to do it their way — to listen to them and do as they said.”
Wembanyama has been out since before Thanksgiving due to a calf strain, missing 12 games. With him out, the Spurs put the ball in the hands of their three attacking guards — De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper — and went 9-3 in those games, including beating the Lakers Wednesday to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals.
Wemby averaged 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.6 blocked shots a game before his injury, looking like an All-NBA player and someone who could even end up on a lot of MVP ballots. His return to the starting five will move Luke Kornet back to the bench.
Facing the 24-1 Thunder, with Chet Holmgren, is not exactly easing back into things for Wembanyama, but they will need him to have a chance in this game.