Victor Wembanyama remains questionable for Game 3 against Trail Blazers as Spurs await concussion protocol clearance

Victor Wembanyama traveled with the San Antonio Spurs to Portland for Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, but his availability for the game remains uncertain as he continues to work through the league’s concussion protocol.

The Spurs announced that Wembanyama is listed as questionable for Friday’s Game 3 at the Moda Center, with a final decision on his status expected to approach after pregame warmup. Coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that the 2024 Kia Defensive Player of the Year is “progressing” through the required steps but has not yet been cleared for contact.

Wembanyama suffered the concussion during the second quarter of Game 2 in San Antonio when he took a hard fall to the court. He left the game at that point and did not return, marking the first significant injury of his young NBA career. The Spurs went on to lose Game 2, evening the series at one game apiece heading into Portland.

According to team updates, Wembanyama has been at the team’s practice facility for consecutive days, walking around in a black hoodie and gray sweatpants. He participated in some cardiovascular activity late Wednesday as his symptoms had not worsened, and teammate Julian Champagnie reported that he got a few shots up during his limited time on the court.

“He was only around for a little bit this morning,” Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox said Thursday. “Obviously, we just seek him to be healthy.” Fox’s comments reflect the team’s cautious approach to Wembanyama’s recovery, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term playoff gains.

The NBA’s concussion protocol requires players to complete a series of steps before being cleared for full participation, including symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, sport-specific training, non-contact drills, and finally full contact practice. Only after remaining asymptomatic at each stage can a player be considered for return to competition.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night at 10:30 p.m. ET at the Moda Center in Portland, with the series tied 1-1. A win for either team would take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is set for Sunday in Portland, followed by potential Games 5 and 6 back in San Antonio if necessary.

The Spurs will be without the services of Wembanyama, a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award winner and MVP finalist, if he remains unable to play. His absence would place additional pressure on veterans like Chris Paul and rising guards like De’Aaron Fox and Julian Champagnie to carry the offensive load against a Trail Blazers team looking to steal home-court advantage.

Should Wembanyama be cleared, it would mark a significant boost for San Antonio’s playoff hopes. His unique combination of size, defensive versatility, and offensive skill has made him one of the most impactful players in the league during the regular season, and his presence could be pivotal in a tightly contested series.

The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, will be monitoring the situation closely as they prepare to face either a full-strength Spurs lineup or one missing its franchise cornerstone. Portland has shown resilience in the first two games, splitting the home games in San Antonio to set up a pivotal weekend in the Pacific Northwest.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Spurs were en route to Portland, with Wembanyama making the trip despite his uncertain status. The team has maintained that they will not rush his return, adhering strictly to the multi-step concussion protocol designed to protect player safety.

Fans and media alike will be watching for updates during the pregame period on Friday, when a final determination on Wembanyama’s availability is expected to be made. Until then, the question remains: will the Spurs have their star big man available for Game 3, or will they require to adjust their game plan without him?

For continuing coverage of the Spurs-Trail Blazers playoff series and all NBA postseason action, stay tuned to Archysport.com. We’ll provide real-time updates as soon as Wembanyama’s status is confirmed following his pregame warmup.

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