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Michael C. Wright, ESPN Staff WriterDec 6, 2024, 07:45 PM ET
- Joined ESPN in 2010
- Previously covered Bears for ESPN.com
- Played college football at West Texas A&M
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will sit out Friday’s game at Sacramento because of bilateral low back soreness, the team announced.
Wembanyama took the floor for pregame warmups before the team made the decision to hold him out for a second consecutive game.
“I’d say it’s the definition of day-to-day,” Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said.
Wembanyama appeared to have suffered an injury Tuesday night in Phoenix, when he was whistled for charging on a collision with Bradley Beal. Wembanyama remained in the game until subbing out with 6 seconds left, and appeared to be in some discomfort as he walked to the locker room after the loss.
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“I don’t think [the injury] was on a certain play,” Johnson said. “I’m sure that play didn’t help. But I don’t think it was one particular play.”
Johnson said “it’s the hope” for Wembanyama to return for Sunday’s home matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Spurs’ leading scorer, Wembanyama is averaging 23.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and a league-high 3.4 rebounds.
On Tuesday he was named the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month.
“It’s cool,” Wembanyama said of the award. “I think it just means we have the potential to be that [strong] defensive team.”
Wembanyama missed three games in November with a bruised right knee.
Against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, the Spurs started Jeremy Sochan at center in Wembayama’s place, while increasing the minutes for reserve centers Charles Bassey and Zach Collins.
In other injury news, the Spurs listed Tre Jones (shoulder) as out, along with Devin Vassell, who is returning from multiple injuries and currently restricted from playing the second night of back-to-backs.
