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Spurs Injury Report: Is Victor Wembanyama Playing? Ankle Troubles Dims Light on San Antonio’s Phoenix Mission

Published 03/25/2024, 1:49 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Phoenix Suns (41-29, tied 6th West) look to complete a two-game sweep against the San Antonio Spurs (15-55, 13th West) on Monday night. The Suns dominated the first encounter on Saturday, winning 131-106, but the Spurs will be looking for revenge on their home court. They’ll be battling it out with the Suns on their home court at the AT&T Center at 7 PM. Will superstar rookie Victor Wembanyama be suiting up for the showdown against the Suns?

The Suns were red-hot offensively in the first game, shooting nearly 60% from the field and over 45% from three. Devin Booker led all scorers with 32 points, while Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with 14 points off the bench. Rookie Victor Wembanyama, who averages 20.7 points per game this season, struggled against the Suns’ defensive strategy and finished with just 13 points.

Spurs Injury Report: Is Victor Wembanyama Playing?

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To make matters even worse, young Wemby has been as questionable for Monday night vs. Suns with a left ankle sprain along with G-Leaguer Dominick Barlow who is also listed as questionable. While Charles Bassey, Jamaree Bouyea, Sidy Cissoko, David Duke Jr, and RaiQuan Gray are all “out” for the game.

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This raises questions about the Spurs’ offensive firepower, especially against a Suns team boasting a potent offensive duo in Booker and Kevin Durant (25 points in the first game).

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Suns Fight for Playoffs, Spurs Fight for Moral Victories (and Lottery Picks)

The Suns’ offense in the first game was a heater, shooting nearly 60% from the field. Devin Booker dropped a staggering 32 points. Meanwhile, rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, who usually averages an insane stat line  (20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds), had a night best forgotten against the Suns’ stacked-up defense. He finished with a measly 13 points against his idol Kevin Durant.

Victor Wembanyama has been averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 63 games this season. Young Wemby has averaged 23.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in the 3 games he’s played against the Suns.

San Antonio needs a defensive strategy more effective than their current one. On Saturday, Jeremy Sochan did a decent job guarding Durant, but Julian Champagnie against Booker did not prove to be fruitful. Wembanyama’s size might be needed on Jusuf Nurkić, but with his injury, it isn’t certain that he’ll be seen in action on the court.

Despite the loss, a glimmer of hope emerged for the Spurs in the form of 2nd-year guard Blake Wesley. This young knocked down both his 3-point attempts and put up a respectable 12 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

The Suns are locked in a tight battle for Western Conference playoff positioning, while the Spurs are more concerned with developing young talent. Monday’s game offers the Spurs a chance to test themselves against a top contender and potentially pull off an upset, while Phoenix aims to cement their spot in the standings. Share your thoughts below!

Despite 31 Point Carnage, Victor Wembanyama Expresses Frustration Over One Failure: “Didn’t Put The Nail In The Coffin”

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Written by:

Aakritee Raajj

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A lawyer turned NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, Aakritee Raajj found herself in the right realm as soon as she dropped her black coat to don the Mavericks’ jersey in the NBA department. That’s how the content strategy desk trusts her with any coverage demanding a legal knowhow. She became a fan of the league in the late 2000’s after Dirk Nowitzki upset the Miami Heat in Game 6 during 2011 NBA Finals.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja