The information followers have been ready for is lastly right here. In keeping with ESPN’s Shams Charania, Victor Wembanyama is more likely to return to the courtroom tomorrow in Las Vegas because the Spurs tackle the defending champion Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder within the semifinals of the NBA Emirates Cup.
Wemby has missed the final 12 video games with a calf pressure suffered towards the Warriors on November 14. Earlier than that, he was averaging 26.2 factors, 12.9 rebounds 4 assists and three.6 blocks within the Spurs first 12 video games, posting an 8-4 report. Impressively, they’ve gone 9-3 within the 12 video games with out him because of wonderful teamwork, De’Aaron Fox discovering his function with the crew, Dylan Harper coming back from the identical harm, and Luke Kornet filling in admirably. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply the Spurs haven’t missed him. Their protection has clearly suffered, falling from high 10 to beneath common in his absence, and groups have been making a residing within the paint.
Barring any new accidents, they shouldn’t have anybody within the harm report tomorrow past two-way gamers. This would be the healthiest the Spurs have been all season, and never a second too quickly as they’ll face the Thunder 3 times between now and Christmas. It’s going to even be the primary time, Fox, Wembanyama, Harper and Stephon Fort will all be accessible in the identical sport, so hopefully Spurs followers can lastly begin getting a real glimpse of future.
Assuming he returns tomorrow, Wemby will solely have the ability to miss 5 extra video games this season to fulfill the 65-game restrict required for All-NBA groups and awards resembling Defensive Participant of the 12 months.
