The injury bug keeps biting the Spurs. The team was without Devin Vassell against the Knicks on Wednesday, and the wing is still listed as out for the matchup against the Pacers on Friday. Victor Wembanyama will join him in the injury report after hyperextending his knee.
Vassell being listed as out does not come as a surprise. The veteran shooter suffered an adductor strain against the Cavaliers on Dec. 29. He returned to action in that same game after heading to the locker room, but going into Wednesday’s
game, Coach Mitch Johnson said he’d be “out for more than a game or two.” The injury is probably not severe, but serious enough for the team to want to wait until he’s fully healthy before clearing him to return.
There was some hope that Wembanyama wouldn’t miss any time, going by his own words. The big man said after the win against New York that he was fine and just felt sore. “I expect to play the next game,” Wemby said. The MRI didn’t show any ligament damage, so he was correct about avoiding serious injury. Still, it’s hard to blame the Spurs for erring on the side of caution with their superstar, especially in a matchup they should win even without him.
After he misses the game in Indiana, Wembanyama will only be able to sit out five more games while still being eligible for awards.
The Spurs will face the Pacers, losers of 10 straight, on Friday. On Saturday, they’ll host the feity but injury-riddled Trail Blazers on the second game of a back-to-back. After that, they’ll have two days off before entering another back-to-back set against the Grizzlies and Lakers.
