Victor Wembanyama to Travel with Spurs to Portland After Concussion

Victor Wembanyama is expected to join the San Antonio Spurs on their trip to Portland for Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series, despite sustaining a concussion in Game 2 against the Trail Blazers.

The Spurs star suffered the injury during the second quarter of Tuesday’s Game 2 when he hit his head and face on the court in a hard fall. Wembanyama left the game, did not return, and entered the NBA’s concussion protocol.

Despite the setback, the 7-foot-4 French prodigy is anticipated to make the journey with his team to Portland’s Moda Center for Friday night’s contest, which tips off at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time (Saturday 4:30 a.m. In Paris).

Wembanyama’s availability for Game 3 remains uncertain as he continues to undergo evaluation under the league’s concussion protocols. His potential absence would be a significant blow to San Antonio’s hopes, given his historic season where he averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals although shooting 51.2% from the field and 34.9% on three-pointers.

The Spurs entered the playoffs as the second seed in the Western Conference after improving from 34 wins last season to 62 this year, largely driven by Wembanyama’s MVP-caliber performance. Portland, meanwhile, secured the seventh seed through the play-in tournament under interim head coach Tiago Splitter, who took over after Chauncey Billups’ departure amid a gambling investigation.

San Antonio won the regular-season series against Portland, taking two of three games, including a 112-101 victory on April 8 when both Wembanyama and Stephon Castle were sidelined. The Trail Blazers evened the best-of-seven series with a 106-103 victory in Game 2, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the final 8:18 minutes.

Scoot Henderson led Portland’s comeback with a playoff career-high 31 points, hitting 11 of 15 shots and 5 of 9 three-pointers. His performance included 13 points in the first quarter and a crucial three-pointer with 2:43 remaining in the fourth quarter that cut San Antonio’s lead to 101-100.

Game 3 will be broadcast nationally on Prime Video, with subsequent games scheduled for April 26 on ESPN, April 28 in San Antonio, April 30 in Portland, and a potential Game 7 on May 2 back in San Antonio.

The young French star’s presence, even if limited, could provide crucial leadership and defensive presence for a Spurs team looking to regain home-court advantage in the series. His potential participation underscores the resilience and determination of a player who has already made historic impacts in his third NBA season.

As the series shifts to Portland, all eyes will be on Wembanyama’s status and how both teams adjust their strategies moving forward in this unexpectedly competitive first-round matchup.

Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Spurs-Trail Blazers playoff series and updates on Victor Wembanyama’s recovery progress.