Is Spurs star playing vs Blazers?

The NBA world, and certainly the San Antonio Spurs and their fans, spent the day awaiting the status of phenom Victor Wembanyama.

Just three days ago, during Game 2 of his team’s first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wembanyama suffered a concussion when he stumbled on a drive, leading to his face slamming into the court.

Wembanyama lay on the floor for a few moments and appeared to lose his balance as he tried to get up. Trainers rushed over to examine him, and Wembanyama eventually rose to his feet and jogged to the locker room. The injury happened in the second quarter, and the Spurs ruled him out for the second half.

The Spurs eventually lost the game, 106-103, leading to a 1-1 series tie.

Now, with Game 3 set to tip-off Friday, April 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET, the Spurs have finally made a determination: the newly crowned NBA Defensive Player of the Year will sit out the contest.

Here’s everything you need to know about the status of Spurs star forward-center Victor Wembanyama:

NBA PLAYOFF BRACKET: Who gains the edge in first-round series?

Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight vs. Trail Blazers?

San Antonio had listed Wembanyama as questionable in the first injury report they issued Thursday night, and that designation has continued into Friday afternoon. But despite the fact that he took part in shooting drills during morning shootaround in Portland, the Spurs decided to exercise caution with their star and officially ruled him out a little more than an hour before tip-off Friday night.

Wembanyama remains in the concussion protocol with his status for Game 4, Sunday, April 26 in Portland, to be determined.

Even with the series tied 1-1 heading into Friday night’s game, the Spurs can’t put their superstar at risk. Concussions are serious injuries and repetitive concussions can pose long-term risks, including the potential increase of neurodegenerative diseases like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, recovery time from a concussion varies from person-to-person, though “most symptoms resolve in a few days.” In certain cases, however, symptoms can persist for weeks, or even a month, so caution tends to be prudent.

NBA concussion protocol

In order for a player who was diagnosed with a concussion to return to the floor, the following requirements must be met:

• The player is without concussion-related symptoms at rest.
• The player has been evaluated by a physician trained in concussion management.
• The player has successfully completed the league’s return-to-participation exertion process.
• The player’s team physician has had a discuss about the player’s return-to-participation process with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the director of the NBA’s concussion program. Only then, will the player’s team physician make the final determination on return to play.

Victor Wembanyama stats

In 64 games this season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.

Spurs vs. Trail Blazers: How to watch Game 3

• Date: Friday, April 24
• Location: Moda Center (Portland, Oregon)
• Time: 10:30 pm. ET (7:30 p.m. PT)
• TV: None
• Streaming: Prime Video