Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight? Why Spurs' Wemby minutes restriction has fans concerned

Billy Heyen

Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight? Why Spurs' Wemby minutes restriction has fans concerned image

The San Antonio Spurs take the court right away again on Friday after playing a game Thursday night.

The back-to-back brings the availability and minutes of Victor Wembanyama into a bit of question, given that he isn't far removed from a return from injury.

Wemby caused consternation among some fans on Thursday when he only played 17 minutes against the Washington Wizards.

With the Atlanta Hawks awaiting Friday night, Wembanyama's status is a key thing to know.

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Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight?

Yes, Wemby is slated to suit up and play for the Spurs on Friday night against the Hawks.

His overall minutes plan is less certain.

San Antonio didn't even play Wembanyama in the first quarter on Thursday as he came off the bench and finished with 17 minutes.

Head coach Mitch Johnson had acknowledged before Thursday's game that Wemby would be limited in order to get him on the floor in both games of the back-to-back.

That might suggest the Spurs wanted more of Wembanyama to take on the stronger Hawks rather than the weaker Wizards.

Johnson's pregame comments could provide some insight, but there's definitely going to be uncertainty around Wemby's overall usage even as the game goes along. The Spurs are clearly being careful with their superstar.

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Contributing Writer