The San Antonio Spurs will be without Victor Wembanyama on Friday night in Indianapolis, but early signs suggest the injury scare may not linger long.
An MRI on Wembanyama’s left knee came back clean, showing no ligament damage offering relief after the rookie exited Wednesday’s game with visible discomfort, ESPN reporter Michael Wright reported.
Despite the positive results, the Spurs elected not to have Wembanyama travel with the team for their matchup against the Indiana Pacers. He is expected to be listed as questionable for Saturday night’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers as the team continues to monitor his recovery.
Wembanyama suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of San Antonio’s win over the New York Knicks.
After securing a rebound with the Knicks holding a 102-96 lead, he appeared to hyperextend his left knee upon landing. He fell to the floor in pain and needed assistance getting up before limping to the locker room.
Following the game, Wembanyama expressed confidence that the injury would not keep him sidelined for long.
“I was this close to going back into the game, but they had to hold me back,” Wembanyama said.
Although he did not return to action, Wembanyama reemerged from the locker room late in the contest, walking to the bench in warmups with 1 minute and 20 seconds remaining. He stood and cheered alongside his teammates as the Spurs closed out the win, a moment that resonated with the coaching staff.
“He finished the game on the bench with his teammates,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said. “That made me feel good. I have no idea know what to say. But it was good to see him walk back out and be able to finish the game on the bench with his teammates.”
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