SAN ANTONIO — At their makeshift home arena in Austin, Texas, the San Antonio Spurs struggled to keep up with the fast-paced, rising Detroit Pistons.
Tuesday night will be just as challenging. Victor Wembanyama, who has been out since February 20 due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, is once again listed as OUT, and while the Spurs have adjusted to life without him, facing large opponents has not been easy.
“Trust me, you can’t replace Vic,” Chris Paul stated after the news broke. “I can’t stand on a guy’s shoulders and block every shot that comes to the rim.”
Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game this season while shooting 47 percent from the floor. He was on track for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award, a spot on one of three All-NBA teams, and maybe the league’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, but he now falls short of the newly mandated 65-game mark.
The Pistons, on the other hand, might be without their star. Cade Cunningham was a late scratch during their last game due to a left leg contusion and is categorized as QUESTIONABLE.
If he does play, the Spurs will undoubtedly face a difficult task. However, this isn’t something new for them.
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