Victor Wembanyama’s absence looms large as the Spurs prepare for a crucial road test against Portland- a Game 3 that will reveal whether San Antonio can survive without its franchise centerpiece. Just three days after a concussion knocked the star out of Game 2, the 22-year-old appeared at the Spurs practice facility and took part in shootaround, showing encouraging signs of progress. Yet those glimpses of optimism quickly faded when head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the obvious: Wembanyama will sit out the team’s first road game of these playoffs.

Naturally, there was curiosity to understand how far along the DPOY is in his recovery. Johnson told reporters, “he’s continuing to progress”. The Spurs head coach declined to provide specifics about the organization’s timeline for Wembanyama’s potential return in Game 4, choosing instead to keep the recovery process under wraps.

“I don’t think there’s gonna be a lot of questions, I understand and follow-ups, and I don’t think that I’m an appropriate person, especially at this time, to answer a lot of them. But he is doing well and progressing,” Johnson said while speaking about Wembanyama’s possibility to return for Game 4.

Typically, NBA players dealing with concussions miss anywhere from a week to ten days before clearing protocols. In Wembanyama’s case, it’s been just three days- so his appearance at shootaround is an encouraging signal.

The Spurs aren’t keen on telegraphing their hand or putting extra stress on their young franchise cornerstone. “We’re gonna keep the details in house,” the Spurs head coach said when asked about the specifics of Wembanyama’s progression.

Wembanyama’s situation mirrors that of other recent playoff stars. Tyrese Maxey was sidelined for nine days after being diagnosed with a mild concussion in March 2024, while Lonnie Walker missed four games before clearing protocol in March 2025.

Most notably, Jalen Smith entered protocol after a head-to-head collision and missed seven days before returning.

According to a 15-year study of concussion data, the average NBA player misses 6 days under protocol, suggesting Wembanyama could return by Game 5 on Tuesday at the earliest. The precedent suggests patience is warranted; stars sidelined with concussions rarely rush back, even when playoff stakes are at their highest.

The return decision ultimately rests with the NBA’s Concussion Program Director, not the Spurs organization. Johnson is respecting that process and won’t rush to speculate on an exact timeline. Even he can’t pinpoint when Wembanyama will get the green light.

It depends on how Victor Wembanyama follows the protocols and obtains approval from the NBA. According to The Athletic, the Spurs star fully intended on playing Game 3 against Portland. However, he couldn’t clear all the necessary steps for the league official to give him the green light.

The Spurs have no plans to accelerate the 22-year-old’s return, given the serious nature of the injury.

Spurs must prove they can win without their franchise pillar

Losing Victor Wembanyama fundamentally weakens San Antonio’s championship odds. His playoff debut- a scorching 35-point performance helped hold the Blazers to just 98 points. Wemby, as expected, is essential to the Spurs’ success at both ends of the court. But with his spot in the lineup empty, the spotlight shifts to the supporting cast.

De’Aaron Fox becomes the focal point of San Antonio’s offensive attack.

The former Kings point guard faltered in Game 2 after Wemby’s early exit, but the scoring machine has proven capable of carrying this team. He’s averaged 24.6 points and 6.2 assists in 18 games without the 7’5” center this season. The Spurs will look to him to match Blazers All-Star Deni Avdija as they face the hostile environment of playing in Portland.

The burden doesn’t fall solely on Fox. Stephon Castle has assumed bigger offensive duties in his second season and can produce at volume once he finds his rhythm. Additionally, center Luke Kornet averages 1.8 blocks when San Antonio runs more minutes through him.

Everyone will need to step up. With the series deadlocked at 1-1, winning Game 3 becomes critical for both teams. The Spurs, built on youth and inexperience, can’t afford to let this matchup drag on. Yet if they can steal one game and give Wemby breathing room to recover, it could be the pivotal turning point in this series.