Injury update: Is Wembanyama playing in tonight's game versus rival Rockets?
In an unexpected turn of events, the San Antonio Spurs received a late blow ahead of tonight's highly anticipated matchup against the Houston Rockets. Rising star Victor Wembanyama has been added to the injury report as questionable, following a shoulder injury sustained in the previous game against the Indiana Pacers.
Wembanyama's potential absence marks a significant development, as he is the driving force for the Spurs, establishing himself as the best player on the team. His last missed game was on January 19th against the Hornets. Fans, however, should get a chance to see some fan favorites take the floor in expanded minutes.
The likely plan if Victor Wembanyama can't play tonight
Should Wembanyama be sidelined, the spotlight will likely shift to Dominick Barlow. The sophomore forward, who recently upgraded from a two-way contract to a standard NBA contract, is poised to step up and log more minutes on the court. Barlow, having spent time in the G-league, brings a combination of experience and potential that Spurs faithful will be eager to witness.
Additionally, the absence of Wembanyama could open the door for another fan favorite, Sandro Mamukelashvili, to showcase his skills. The versatile big man has been a crowd-pleaser, and fans have been vocal about wanting to see more of him in action.
As the Spurs navigate this potential setback, tonight's game against the Rockets promises to unveil new dynamics and showcase the team's resilience in the face of adversity. Spurs fans, while undoubtedly disappointed by the uncertainty surrounding Wembanyama's status, can look forward to the energy Barlow always brings and the unique abilities of Mamu.
Zach Collins will likely get the start, and he has played well in back-to-back games, so don't chalk this matchup as a loss yet. The guys might surprise you.
Update: 12:45 CT
Final update: 6:11 CT
Bad news for the Rockets! Victor Wembanyama will be on the court seeking his first three-game win-streak of the season.