Best-case scenario for Wembanyama's quick return unfolding after new update

Spurs fans want two things right now: for Victor Wembanyama to be okay, and for him to get back on the court as quickly as possible. Those two wishes are not mutually exclusive, and Mitch Johnson just indicated that both may be happening at the most favorable rate possible.

Concussions can be dicey. Symptoms can sometimes show up a day or two later, so the fact that we're almost a full two days removed from the incident with nothing but positive reports from the team is encouraging. Travel with the team was uncertain, and had they opted to leave Wemby at home, he would have likely missed Games 3 and 4.

Thankfully, that sounds like an increasingly unlikely outcome.

The Spurs won't risk Wembanyama but he'll play if he's cleared

San Antonio is known for having one of the most detailed and conservative medical staffs in the NBA, but there's a misconception about their cautiousness. If Wemby is cleared to play, they won't hold him out "just in case." It's the playoffs, and this organization realized how good this team is. They have a real shot at a title, and they won't squander it by being fearful when there's no data-backed reason behind it.

Being cleared generally means there is no increased risk of re-aggravation. So, those precautions are baked into the process. When we see the Alien back on the court, expect him to be himself with no restrictions.

The timing of the concussion was as beneficial for the Spurs as possible, with the incident occurring right before a two-day break. If Game 3 were scheduled for today, Wembayama would definitely be ruled out. The protocols in place would have demanded it, as players need to go a full 48 hours post-concussion before being allowed to participate in full activities.

Wemby could still miss Game 3 and the Spurs must survive without him

Now, there's no guarantee that Vic suits up for Game 3. Playing on Friday night is still a bit of a quick turnaround from the initial injury, but the decision to have him travel with the team lets us know that they're at the very least hopeful for Game 4.

There's still no reason to panic, though. If this series were against the Nuggets or the Thunder, there would be more cause for concern, but the Spurs can beat the Trail Blazers without Vic. De'Aaron Fox has some making up to do for the way he ended their last meeting in San Antonio. As the gamer that he's known for being, we should expect him to do that.

He won't be alone, though. This team has won games as a unit all season, and they'll lean on each other to do it again. Even so, going down 2-1 wouldn't be the end of the world either. Help is on the way. When Wemby returns, they'll either be retaking hold of or tightening their grip on the series. There's just no way the Spurs lose to them. Sorry, not sorry, Portland.

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