SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs say an MRI showed center Victor Wembanyama did not suffer ligament damage in his injured left knee and their All-Star center will not play Friday at Indiana.
Spurs said on Thursday that Wembanyama's condition remains unchanged. He did not travel with the team to face the NBA-worst Pacers (6-28) and will instead be recovering from injury in San Antonio.
Wembanyama overextended his left knee just under 11 minutes before San Antonio's 134-132 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
Wembanyama said he felt good after the game and expected to play Friday against the Pacers, but said San Antonio medical staff could make a different decision depending on test results.
“Good thing it was just a hyperextension,” Vembanyama said. “It should be minimal, whatever it is.”
Wembanyama was injured while diving to tackle Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns with 10:32 left in the NBA Cup Final rematch. Vembanyama lost possession of the ball upon landing. Replays showed there was no contact with the defender, but Vembanyama's left foot slipped forward.
Vembanyama remained on the court, and New York went on offense. Spurs forward Kelly Olynyk intentionally committed a foul so Spurs could test Wembanyama. Spurs defensemen Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox helped Wembanyama to his feet before he hobbled straight into the locker room without assistance.
Vembanyama could be heard shouting, “I will be back!” several times to the fans as he ran through the tunnel towards the dressing room, resolutely throwing his hands down.
Vembanyama returned to San Antonio's bench with 1:22 left in the game without limping and watched as the Spurs rallied and beat the Knicks.
Vembanyama is averaging 24.3 points and 11.7 rebounds for the Southwest Division-leading Spurs (24-9).
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