rewrite this title Spurs get crucial Victor Wembanyama injury update

The San Antonio Spurs desperately need Victor Wembanyama back on the court, perhaps not for Game 3 of the series vs. the Portland Trail Blazers, but for their postseason aspirations.

The former No. 1 pick left Game 2 early after driving and falling on his face. He was tested for a concussion and wasn’t cleared to return. That said, it looks like he may not miss that much time — if at all — for the remainder of the series.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Wembanyama is already doing some cardio work, and his symptoms haven’t worsened since the day of the game.

Victor Wembanyama is getting better, but he may miss Game 3

“I’m told Victor Wembanyama was able to participate in cardio work here late Wednesday because his symptoms didn’t worsen. He wasn’t feeling worse than he did when he suffered that concussion,” Charania said on ESPN. “He is hopeful that he’ll be able to travel with the team to Portland on Thursday, but whether he’s able to clear concussion protocol in time to play in Game 3 on Friday in Portland is an obvious question and jeopardy for the Spurs.”

Wembanyama, the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in league history, is the most impactful two-way player in the game right now. Needless to say, most of what Mitch Johnson’s team does revolves around him. While it should still have more than enough resources to beat the Blazers without him, it’s definitely going to be more of an uphill quest.

Even so, the Spurs will obviously err on the side of caution with their franchise player. He’s just too valuable and has so much basketball ahead of him, so they must protect him from himself until he’s back to full strength.

The Spurs will hit the road to face the Blazers at the Moda Center on Friday night. Whether their 22-year-old superstar will be there remains to be seen.