Spurs' Victor Wembanyama out vs. Pelicans Friday due to hip tightness
The star rookie will miss the first game of his NBA career
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out for Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, according to multiple reports.
The French star is dealing with continued right hip tightness, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez. It will be the first missed game of Wembanyama's NBA career.
Wembanyama was questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks due to his hip but still played. Spurs medical staff were seen monitoring him during shootaround before he took the court. He had a strong outing, recording 21 points, four blocks, two steals, two assists in the 137-135 defeat. He led the team with 12 rebounds.
After the loss, which extended San Antonio's losing streak to 13 games, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich indicated that the No. 1 overall pick's status was uncertain in consideration of his overall health.
"We're trying to protect him. He may not play tomorrow," Popovich said Thursday. "We'll see how his hip came out of this one."
In 18 games, Wembanyama boasts averages of 19.3 points and 9.7 rebounds. The 7-foot-4 center's 2.7 blocks per game lead the league.
After missing the second half of a back-to-back, he will have four full days before the team is scheduled to return to action against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.
