Spurs Announce Victor Wembanyama Injury Update Before Game 3 Against Trail Blazers

The San Antonio Spurs return to the floor for Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference series against the Portland Trail Blazers with the matchup tied 1-1. As San Antonio plans to bounce back Friday, the primary concern all week has been Victor Wembanyama's availability after his early exit in Game 2.

Wembanyama went down midway through the second quarter after losing his balance on a drive and falling hard to the floor following contact in the paint. He remained down briefly before heading to the locker room and did not return. The Spurs later confirmed he had entered the NBA's concussion protocol.

San Antonio had built a double-digit lead before the injury but struggled to maintain control without him. Portland capitalized, with Scoot Henderson leading the comeback with 31 points in a 106-103 win to even the series.

In the days leading into Game 3, Wembanyama showed signs of progress. He resumed light workouts, traveled with the team to Portland, and participated in shootaround.

However, the Spurs announced shortly before tip-off that Wembanyama has been ruled out for Game 3. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson described him as progressing but declined to provide a timeline for his return (h/t Tom Osborn of San Antonio Express-News).

Wembanyama's absence is unfortunate news for San Antonio, who face a tough test on the road against a motivated Trail Blazers team.

Wemby is out but progressing, Mitch Johnson said. pic.twitter.com/klzR916fMo

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) April 25, 2026

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year opened the series with 35 points in Game 1 and has been central to both the Spurs' offense and defense all season. Without him, San Antonio loses its primary rim protector and focal point on both ends of the floor.

To make up for Wembanyama's absence, the Spurs are expected to call on backup center Luke Kornet to start on Friday. Kornet averaged 11.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes during the regular season, and could bring much-needed veteran playoff experience to a young San Antonio team. Johnson will also count on increased production from De'Aaron Fox and the other supporting cast.

Game 3 tips off at the Moda Center at 10:30 p.m. ET .

Related: Victor Wembanyama's Return Timeline After Game 2 Injury

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 9:32 PM.