Victor Wembanyama has missed 10 consecutive games for the San Antonio Spurs after suffering a calf strain against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 14. It has been an extended absence, but the Spurs star is moving closer to a return to game action.
Wembanyama recently returned to practice as a full participant, which is a major step in the right direction. However, he’s still not quite ready to return, and he has been officially ruled out of San Antonio’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night.
Victor Wembanyama will remain sidelined for game vs. Pelicans
After the game against New Orleans, the Spurs will face the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday. There's an outside chance that Wembanyama could be ready to play in that game, though that is far from a certainty.
The Spurs have a full week off after the game against L.A., as their next game comes against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 17. That's a better bet in terms of a potential return date for Wembanyama, as the team might want to take advantage of the extra week for some added recovery time for their best player.
Luckily, the Spurs have been able to play some solid basketball in Wembanyama’s absence. They’ve gone 7-3 in the 10 games that he’s missed, and they currently sit fifth in the Western Conference standings with a record of 15-7.
Wembanyama won't be the only star player sidelined for the game between San Antonio and New Orleans on Monday night, as Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will miss the game due to a grade 2 right hip adductor strain. He is expected to miss a few more weeks, at least, with the injury.