Victor Wembanyama has enjoyed the four days off without a game. The 7-foot-3 star has been able to rest his sore back and expects to be fully healthy when the San Antonio Spurs play the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
Wembanyama missed the Spurs’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 6 because of back issues. He returned to play against the New Orleans Pelicans two days later, but had to leave the game in the first half due to back pain before coming back later.
This break may be just what Wembanyama needed. “Time off has been really beneficial for us,” he said. “Beneficial for me as I can keep from getting hit. … I do feel better.”
Wembanyama has been performing well on the court, averaging 23.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 blocked shots in 19 games.
However, there have been times when his back pain has impacted his game.
“Not in a good way,” Wembanyama said with a laugh. “It’s something different than what I’ve experienced in my career. It’s not a big deal, but sometimes it stops me from doing things.”
Wembanyama played 26 minutes in the Spurs’ 121-116 win over the Pelicans. He scored 25 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and had three blocked shots, helping the Spurs end a three-game losing streak.
This marked his fourth straight double-double, including one triple-double.
Stephon Castle scored 22 points against the Pelicans, and veteran Chris Paul had 10 assists to move into second place on the all-time assists list. Paul now has 12,099 assists, passing Jason Kidd who has 12,091. John Stockton leads with 15,806.
Portland is on a four-game losing streak and has lost eight of their last 10 games after falling 107-98 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
The Trail Blazers may have Robert Williams III (concussion) back on the floor after he returned to practice on Thursday. Portland coach Chauncey Billups said Williams still has one test to pass before being cleared. Williams has missed the past six games.
Rookie center Donovan Clingan (knee) may also be available, as long as he doesn’t have a setback. He has missed the last seven games.
Clingan, the No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft, has shown his potential, averaging 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 17 minutes per game.
“I want to bring a little more energy, bring a little more pop and fire,” the 20-year-old Clingan said. “Run the floor, block shots, rebound and play defense and help the team win some more games.”
For Portland to start winning, they need to improve their defense quickly. The Trail Blazers allowed an average of 135 points in the first three games of their current losing streak but lowered that number against the Lakers.
“Defensively, our pressure has lightened up,” Billups said. “I think we have gotten a little lax defensively.”
San Antonio lost forwards Keldon Johnson (calf) and Zach Collins (back) during the win over New Orleans. Their status for the game on Friday was unclear as of Thursday afternoon.
San Antonio beat Portland 118-105 at home on Nov. 7. The two teams will play again in San Antonio on Dec. 21.
