The NBA world, and certainly the San Antonio Spurs and their fans, are awaiting the status of phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Just three days ago, during Game 2 of his team’s first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wembanyama suffered a concussion when he stumbled on a drive, leading to his face slamming into the court.
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Wembanyama lay on the floor for a few moments and appeared to lose his balance as he tried to get up. Trainers rushed over to examine him, and Wembanyama eventually rose to his feet and jogged to the locker room. The injury happened in the second quarter, and the Spurs ruled him out for the second half.
The Spurs eventually lost the game, 106-103, leading to a 1-1 series tie.
Now, with Game 3 set to tip-off Friday, April 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET, all eyes are on San Antonio’s injury report.
Here’s everything you need to know about the status of Spurs star forward-center Victor Wembanyama.
Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight vs. Trail Blazers?
As of Friday afternoon, it’s still unclear. The Spurs officially listed Wembanyama as questionable in the first injury report they issued Thursday night, and that designation has continued into Friday. But the center did take part in shooting drills during San Antonio’s morning shootaround in Portland Friday, April 24, so there is hope for Spurs fans.
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Yet, even if Wembanyama were to be cleared to return, reason dictates that San Antonio may be cautious with its franchise player. It doesn’t matter that the series is tied at one game apiece. Concussions are serious injuries and repetitive concussions can pose long-term risks, including the potential increase of neurodegenerative diseases like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, recovery time from a concussion varies from person-to-person, though “most symptoms resolve in a few days.” In certain cases, however, symptoms can persist for weeks, or even a month, so caution tends to be prudent.
At around tip-off, it will only be 72 hours since Wembanyama suffered the concussion.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, April 26 in Portland.
NBA concussion protocol
In order for a player who was diagnosed with a concussion to return to the floor, the following requirements must be met:
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The player is without concussion-related symptoms at rest.
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The player has been evaluated by a physician trained in concussion management.
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The player has successfully completed the league’s return-to-participation exertion process.
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The player’s team physician has had a discuss about the player’s return-to-participation process with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the director of the NBA’s concussion program. Only then, will the player’s team physician make the final determination on return to play.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) falls to the ground while driving to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) during Game 2 of their first-round series on April 21, 2026.
Victor Wembanyama stats
In 64 games this season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.
Spurs vs. Trail Blazers: How to watch Game 3
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Location: Moda Center (Portland, Oregon)
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Time: 10:30 pm. ET (7:30 p.m. PT)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama concussion injury: Is Spurs star playing vs Blazers?
