Victor Wembanyama should provide a boost for theSan Antonio Spursas he's expected to make his return Saturday in the NBA Cup semifinals.
Wembanyama did not play Wednesday in the Spurs' 132-119 road victory in the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers. With the victory, the Spurs advanced to theNBA Cup semifinals, where they will take on theOklahoma City Thunderon Saturday in Las Vegas.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters there's a chance that Wembanyama could return against the Thunder. His potential availability would be beneficial to the team and improve its chances of beating the defending NBA champions and reaching the tournament final.
Wembanyama has missed the past 12 games due to injury.
Here's the latest update on Wembanyama's injury status:
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Victor Wembanyama injury update
The Spurs are expecting Wembanyama to return to action. On theinjury report released Friday, Dec. 12, the Spurs upgraded him to probable for the team's NBA Cup semifinal against the Thunder. He has not played since San Antonio's game against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 14.
Despite his absence, the Spurs have gone 9-3 in the 12 games that he's missed.
"There was no reason to take an inconsiderate risk. ... I (had) to trust the process a lot. Because it wasn't always painful," Wembanyama said when talking about his recovery process on Friday. "It was almost never painful or even uncomfortable."
Who is Victor Wembanyama's backup on Spurs' depth chart?
Luke Kornet was tabbed as the primary replacement for Wembanyama, as he has started 11 of the past 12 games. Kornet is averaging 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 16 games played this season.
Victor Wembanyama stats
Wembanyama has averaged 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4 assists in 12 games played this season, career highs in all three statistical categories. He's also averaging 3.6 blocks per game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Victor Wembanyama injury update, Spurs vs Thunder NBA Cup status
