SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama is set to miss at least one more game as he continues to recover from a hyperextended left knee. However, the outlook for his return remains optimistic.

“He’s looking really good,” said San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson ahead of the team’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. “His recovery is going well.”

The Spurs officially ruled Wembanyama out for the game against Portland on Saturday afternoon. The center did not travel with the team to Indiana for their victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night but is expected to join the squad for the upcoming contest against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 6.

Wembanyama was the first to express confidence in his short-term absence, initially sharing his thoughts with fans after limping off the court during a game against the New York Knicks. He later confirmed this with reporters following the win. If given the choice, the Frenchman would have preferred to play in Indiana.

“I don’t know what (the medical staff) expects,” he said on Wednesday.

Since arriving in San Antonio, the Spurs have prioritized Wembanyama’s long-term health. After being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, he underwent extensive rehabilitation before being cleared to return to the court. A gradual return followed after he missed 12 games due to a calf strain before making his comeback in the NBA Cup Quarterfinal.

This latest minor knee issue will be handled similarly.

“It was just wise to keep him home,” Johnson said before facing the Pacers. “To make sure that he got all the resources and support he could from being (in San Antonio).”

If Wembanyama is able to play against the Grizzlies, he will have four more “excused absences” for the remainder of the season to meet the NBA’s 65-game minimum threshold required for postseason award eligibility.

The center’s final status will be announced Monday evening around 4 p.m. Central Time.

Vassell Likely OUT Multiple Weeks

While Wembanyama’s prognosis appears positive, Devin Vassell may face a longer absence due to a left adductor strain. Coach Mitch Johnson indicated that the injury could keep Vassell out for multiple weeks, stating it would last longer than “one or two games.”

“We’ll just have to continue to see how he ramps up and feels,” Johnson said. “But I’m encouraged by it in terms of it not being something that will be nagging him throughout the year. We just want to get him all the way right.”

Despite the absence of key players, the Spurs have managed to secure wins. They are now 10-3 in games without Wembanyama. Throughout the season, Johnson has had to adjust his rotations due to injuries affecting Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle. These players combined for 65 points in the recent victory over the Pacers.

In their place, the team has relied on depth. Navigating these challenges has contributed to Johnson being named the NBA’s Western Conference Coach of the Month for December.

“We’ve done a really good job of trying to play consistent to our brand and our identity regardless of who is out there,” Johnson said. “Victor not being out there obviously makes that look a lot different. I do think our guys have not overreacted to that.”

Saturday evening will serve as another test of the team’s resilience.

“It’s something that we want to be able to apply and navigate regardless of which lineups are out there,” Johnson added. “The guys have done a really good job of that.”