Popovich gave Wembanyama update Spurs fans want to hear for preseason game 2

The Spurs preseason opener against Oklahoma City gave fans plenty to be satisfied and borderline excited about. They lost the game 112-107, but nobody cares about winning preseason games that much. Especially when you don’t have three of your best players on the floor. What’s important is the work and making sure the guys are developing good on-court habits.

Establishing good habits will help a team make strides toward competitive basketball, and San Antonio put that on display in preseason game one. It wasn’t perfect, but they spaced the floor well, covered for each other on defense more consistently than we’ve seen last year (though they need to increase their physicality), and shot the three very well—which was the pleasant surprise of the night.

But make no mistake about it: some of the wind was taken out of the sails of Spurs fans when they learned Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul wouldn’t be suiting up for the contest. However, after the game, Coach Pop revealed a different plan for Wednesday night’s matchup vs. the Orlando Magic.

Pop “pretty sure” Wembanyama plays next game

Sure, Spurs fans had a chance to see Wemby play basketball during the summer when he joined the Olympic team in France. But that’s not the same as cheering him on in a silver and black uniform. It’s been half a year since he’s taken the court, representing San Antonio, and having him back will be a welcome sight.

Popovich did not reveal whether Chris Paul would be suiting up or not, but you would think he’d want him on the court to get some live reps with the guys before the start of the regular season. Paul is approaching 40 years of age, so one of the most conservative coaches in the NBA when it comes to taking care of older players is going to be who he’s always been.

At the end of the day, Coach Pop is good for helping to extend careers. CP3 seems to take great care of his body, so it’s a match made in heaven. Between the two parties, Paul may be on the floor for about 65 games—a number he hasn’t reached since the 2021-22 season.

Whenever he gets on the floor, Spurs fans will be ready to erupt when he and Wemby run that first pick-and-roll. When that lob goes up in the air and Vic flushes it down, flexing on the competition… euphoria.