Spurs Star Wembanyama Doubtful Ahead of Game Against Suns in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is listed as doubtful for the game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night due to an illness, raising questions about his participation. The Spurs, who currently hold a 23-29 record, are looking to regain momentum after the All-Star Break as they host the Suns at the Moody Center, located on the University of Texas campus, where Wembanyama’s teammate, Kevin Durant, starred during his collegiate career.

This matchup marks the first game of a back-to-back series for the Spurs in Austin, continuing a tradition of hosting two home games in the city for the third consecutive season. Coach Mitch Johnson’s team will need to perform well against a Suns squad that has struggled recently, losing six of their last seven games, including a defeat against the Houston Rockets prior to the break.

Wembanyama, the NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, has been a key player for San Antonio, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game, making him invaluable to the Spurs’ performance. If Wembanyama is unable to play, the Spurs will lean heavily on De’Aaron Fox, who was acquired during the trade deadline, along with Harrison Barnes and Devin Vassell to fill the scoring gap.

Durant, who is returning to Austin for the first time as a professional, emphasized the significance of the game. “Austin is a place where I kind of started this journey,” Durant said. “To have so many friends and family still there from 16, 17 years ago is pretty sweet. I appreciate the NBA for setting this up.” Durant is averaging 27.3 points per game and is keen to make a strong impression in his return.

The Suns have bolstered their lineup with the potential returns of star players Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, both of whom have been sidelined. Booker has previously shown his scoring prowess against the Spurs, and should he play, the Suns will be more formidable. Bradley Beal, despite having a less impactful season, remains a dangerous offensive threat.

San Antonio’s last encounter with Phoenix ended in defeat, but the Spurs had the edge in the prior season with a 3-1 record against the Suns. With Wembanyama’s health impacting the team’s strategy, the Spurs must enhance their defensive efforts to contain Durant and his fellow scorers.

“We will be stubborn and trust that we’re going to go about this the right way,” Johnson stated, emphasizing the importance of the team’s development regardless of the immediate results. With their season on the line, the Spurs are determined to find a way to win at home.

As the game approaches, anticipation builds around Wembanyama’s status. The Spurs continue to monitor his condition, with reports confirming he did not attend the team’s shootaround, suggesting he may not be ready for game action.