Victor Wembanyama’s well being standing and Jrue Holiday’s general play are among the many components to watch as Game 3 nears.
San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama’s availability after sustaining a concussion in Game 2 in opposition to the Portland Trail Blazers is the most important storyline heading into Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference sequence.
If he performs, it means he has met the return-to-participation circumstances listed in the NBA concussion coverage abstract, which incorporates no concussion-related signs at relaxation, clearance by a group doctor, completion of an exertion course of and affirmation from the league’s director of the concussion program.
“It’s pretty straightforward,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stated. (*3*)
As the 1-1 sequence strikes to Portland, listed below are three things to watch in Game 3 on Friday (10: 30 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
If Wembanyama performs vs. if he doesn’t
Wembanyama was stellar in Game 1, setting a franchise document for factors in a playoff debut with 35 in the Spurs’ victory. In Portland’s Game 2 victory, Wembanyama left the game with 8:57 remaining in the second quarter when he stumbled and hit his face and head on the courtroom.
The numbers are stark for the Spurs when Wembanyama is on the courtroom vs. when he isn’t – it’s almost a 17-point distinction per 100 possessions. If Wembanyama can’t play, heart Luke Kornet will get extra minutes, and he had 10 factors and 9 rebounds in Game 2.
Though they’re not facilities, veteran Harrison Barnes and rookie Carter Bryant might obtain extra enjoying time in smaller lineups, and Johnson additionally has veterans Bismack Biyombo and Kelly Olynyk on his bench.
The Trail Blazers had success with Robert Williams III on the courtroom in Wembanyama’s absence. Williams had 11 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and two blocks and was plus-13 in 23 minutes in Game 2. The Blazers even have extra defensive versatility with Williams and Toumani Camara when Wembanyama is not in the sport.
Can Blazers’ guards have repeat efficiency?
Twenty-year-old Scoot Henderson delivered 31 factors on 11-for-17 capturing and Jrue Holiday, a two-time NBA champion, generated 16 factors, 9 assists, 5 rebounds and two blocks in Game 2. An identical efficiency from that backcourt will put Portland in an advantageous place.
High-scoring guard Shaedon Sharpe is enjoying restricted minutes since returning late in the season from a left fibula damage, and he’s able to an environment friendly efficiency. He had 9 factors on 5 photographs in 13 minutes in Game 2.
Fox’s manufacturing can be key
Of San Antonio’s common starters, guard De’Aaron Fox is the oldest and the one one with playoff expertise earlier than this season. Even although it was only one sequence when Fox was with Sacramento, he produced in opposition to Golden State in 2023, scoring 38 factors twice in the seven-game sequence. He had at the least 24 factors in 4 different video games and at the least 9 assists in 4 video games in opposition to the Warriors.
San Antonio wants that model of Fox even when Wembanyama is accessible and particularly if he’s not. The Spurs acquired Fox on the 2025 commerce deadline to present backcourt expertise for these moments.
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Jeff Zillgitt has lined the NBA since 2008. You can e mail him at jzillgitt@nba.com, discover his archive here and follow him on X.
