Setback for San Antonio Spurs: the keys to Victor Wembanyama's injury

San Antonio Spurs' star center, Victor Wembanyama, will be out for several weeks due to a left calf strain, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday.

The franchise has chosen to proceed with caution regarding the return of their franchise player, who underwent an MRI on Sunday. A source told ESPN that Wembanyama will be reevaluated in two to three weeks.

The player was initially listed as questionable on Sunday due to discomfort in his left calf but was ruled out before the start of the game the Spurs won against the Sacramento Kings.

Coach Mitch Johnson emphasized on Sunday the importance of not downplaying this type of injury: “We have recently seen in this league that calf strain is not something to be taken lightly. We don't want to rush it.”

21-year-old Wembanyama played 38 minutes in a challenging NBA Cup game on Friday against the Golden State Warriors, where he achieved 26 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. It was his third consecutive game with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, equaling his career-best streak according to ESPN Research.

In his absence, veteran Luke Kornet started on Sunday and contributed 13 points with a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field, along with three blocks. San Antonio signed Kornet in free agency to strengthen the frontcourt in minutes without Wembanyama. The center ended the game against the Kings with a plus-13 impact rating.

Substitutes and Wembanyama's Stats

An increase in minutes is also expected for Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo while Wembanyama recovers. In his third season, the French player is posting career-high averages: 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, leading the league in blocks per game with 3.6. After Sunday's game, he was seen in the locker room with a small compression sleeve on the injured calf, showing no visible signs of discomfort.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mazazo para San Antonio Spurs: las claves de la lesión de Victor Wembanyama