San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama is listed as probable and will return to action for Saturday night’s NBA Cup semifinal at Las Vegas against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wembanyama has missed the past 12 games due to a left calf strain. He had traveled with the team and participated in light workouts this week.
“I expect him to play (Saturday),” San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said Friday, adding there will be a minutes restriction and an earlier-than-usual substitution. “Still ongoing conversations of what looks like.”
Wembanyama said he’s ready to get back on the court during Friday’s media availability session.
“I feel great. I’m ready to go,” Wembanyama said. “I think we’ve done the right things over however long it’s been, the past few weeks.”
The Spurs went 9-3 without the center who was the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year last season when he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, recorded a league-leading 254 blocked shots and made 128 3-pointers.
This season, the 21-year-old is averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.6 blocked shots in 12 games.
The winner of the West final between the Spurs and Thunder will advance to Tuesday’s NBA Cup title game. The New York Knicks and Orlando Magic play in the East final on Saturday.
–Field Level Media
