Going four days without a game has been a welcome break for Victor Wembanyama.
The 7-foot-3 star has had some time to rest his ailing back and expects to be healthy when the San Antonio Spurs visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
Wembanyama missed San Antonio’s game against the Sacramento Kings on December 6 due to back issues. He returned to play against the New Orleans Pelicans two nights later but had to exit the game in the first half due to back pain before later returning to the court.
Perhaps this break is just what Wembanyama needed.
Despite his back pain, Wembanyama has been delivering impressive performances, averaging 23.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 blocked shots over 19 games.
In the 121-116 victory over the visiting Pelicans, Wembanyama played 26 minutes, contributing 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots as the Spurs halted a three-game slide.
This marked the fourth straight double-double for Wembanyama, including one triple-double.
Stephon Castle had 22 points against the Pelicans, while veteran Chris Paul notched 10 assists to move into second place on the all-time assists list with 12,099, surpassing Jason Kidd (12,091). John Stockton leads with 15,806.
Portland, on the other hand, has lost four straight and eight of its past 10 games after falling 107-98 to the host Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
The Trail Blazers might have big man Robert Williams III (concussion) back on the floor after he returned to practice on Thursday. Portland coach Chauncey Billups said Williams has one test to pass. Williams has missed the past six games.
Rookie center Donovan Clingan (knee) might also be available, provided he doesn’t experience a setback. Clingan has missed the past seven contests. The No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft has shown potential, averaging 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 17 minutes per game.
For Portland to start winning games, they need to shore up their defense quickly.
The Trail Blazers allowed an average of 135 points over the first three games of their current slide before reducing that number against the Lakers.
San Antonio lost forwards Keldon Johnson (calf) and Zach Collins (back) during the victory over New Orleans. Their statuses for the upcoming game were not revealed as of Thursday afternoon.
San Antonio registered a 118-105 home win over the Trail Blazers on November 7. The teams are set to face off again in San Antonio on December 21.
