LOS ANGELES, United States — Victor Wembanyama will travel with the San Antonio Spurs to Portland for Friday’s NBA playoff game (Saturday in Manila time) while remaining in concussion protocols, head coach Mitch Johnson said Thursday.
Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion after a hard fall during San Antonio’s 106-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 2, which tied their first-round series at 1-1.
Coach Johnson said Wembanyama has continued to progress through the NBA’s concussion protocol and has been present at team activities, though he has not been cleared for on-court participation.
Wembanyama is required to pass medical evaluations at each stage of the protocol before he can return to play.
The 22-year-old French center, who was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, a league-high 3.1 blocks, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals during the season.