Wemby inches closer to a return, engaging in light cardio. While hopeful for Game 3, strict protocols and daily evaluations dictate his playoff fate.
Victor Wembanyama’s status remains one of the biggest storylines in this opening-round series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers. On Wednesday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided the latest update in his reporting, noting that Wembanyama was able to do light cardio work on Wednesday as he works his way back from the concussion he suffered in Game 2.
At this point, his symptoms have not worsened.
While that’s obviously a positive sign for Wembanyama and the Spurs, it still doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be available to play Friday in Game 3. The report also noted that Wembanyama is hopeful to travel with the Spurs to Portland. Again, even if he is able to do that, it does not automatically mean he’ll be able to play in Game 3 or Game 4, but it does at least keep the door open if he’s with the team and continues to make progress.
That’s really the key here when it comes to his progression. This is about more than just how he feels or his ability to do some work on the floor. Because this is a head injury, he still has to meet certain thresholds, undergo daily neurological testing, and be evaluated by both the Spurs’ medical staff and the NBA’s concussion protocol director. These are significant benchmarks, and rightfully so, even in a huge playoff moment where the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
For now, this remains a day-to-day situation. More information is expected to come out each day as he continues to go through testing. As of now, there still is not much added clarity regarding his return timeline, but we at least know that Wembanyama has started light cardio work and that there will likely be additional updates each day as the Spurs get closer to Game 3 on Friday.