Victor Wembanyama’s availability for Game 3 remains uncertain as the San Antonio Spurs manage his recovery under NBA concussion protocol following Tuesday’s 106-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported on ESPN’s Inside the NBA that Wembanyama “was able to participate in cardio work here late Wednesday because his symptoms didn’t worsen,” marking the first positive step in his recovery process.
Charania added that the Spurs center “wasn’t feeling worse than he did when he suffered that concussion,” and is “hopeful that he’ll be able to travel with the team to Portland on Thursday.”
However, his status for Game 3 on Friday remains unresolved due to league protocol requirements.
Charania explained that “48 hours after suffering a concussion is when Victor Wembanyama would be able to, without restrictions, participate in activity,” while noting that he is currently limited to “light activity” within the first 24-hour window.
The NBA’s concussion protocol requires daily neurological assessments, and Wembanyama must “check boxes every single day,” according to Charania, with clearance overseen by both Spurs medical staff and the league’s concussion protocol director.
San Antonio is expected to prioritize caution, especially given Wembanyama’s importance to both ends of the floor and his central role in the postseason rotation.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the diagnosis after Game 2, stating, “I just know he has a concussion, and he’s in the protocol, and we’ll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps.”
Johnson emphasized that the process will be followed strictly, adding, “That protocol is the protocol, so we’ll just follow it as everyone else does and plan accordingly.”
Wembanyama’s absence would significantly alter San Antonio’s spacing and defensive structure, particularly against Portland’s guard-driven attack led by Scoot Henderson, who scored 31 points in Game 2.
Wembanyama’s return timeline remains tied to daily evaluations, and any Game 3 decision will depend on whether he clears full protocol before travel and pregame checks in Portland.
The series is tied 1-1 heading into Game 3, with Portland holding home-court momentum and the Spurs awaiting clarity on their franchise centerpiece.
