Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight against Utah Jazz? Exploring star sophomore’s status for preseason game (Oct. 12)

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their roster to support star player Victor Wembanyama in his second NBA season. The most significant additions include veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, along with rookie Stephon Castle, as they look to improve on their 22-60 record from last year.

The Spurs are set to play five preseason games leading up to the regular season. They lost to the OKC Thunder without Wembanyama but secured a win against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday with him in the lineup.

Victor Wembanyama will sit out the Spurs' next game against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, according to coach Gregg Popovich.

In his preseason debut, Wembanyama recorded 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks, though he struggled with his shooting, going 4 for 15 from the field and missing all five of his 3-point attempts.

One standout play from the game was a lob dunk from Chris Paul to Wembanyama, one of Paul’s three assists that night.

Victor Wembanyama talks about playing with Chris Paul

Chris Paul is well-versed in playing alongside elite big men. He orchestrated the "Lob City" LA Clippers offense with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan as key pieces.

Over the years, he’s also played with Clint Capela on the Houston Rockets, Steven Adams on the OKC Thunder, DeAndre Ayton on the Phoenix Suns and Kevon Looney with the Golden State Warriors.

Following a challenging one-season run with the Warriors, Paul now teams up with another towering talent in Victor Wembanyama, who stands at 7-foot-4 and is one of the two tallest active players in the NBA, along with Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey.

Reflecting on their first game together and the highlight lob, Wembanyama said:

“Felt very natural. Felt like it was the good play. And he’s making a lot of good plays. (per Fox San Antonio).”

The young star also praised Paul’s influence on the Spurs, noting the importance of having a seasoned veteran like him on the court.

“Being on the court with him certainly feels like he’s got things in control,” Wembanyama said. “It’s reassuring, a little bit. It’s one more teammate I can rely on in tough moments or doubt moments. It’s only positive.”

Last season, Paul averaged a career-low 9.2 points per game, along with 9.4 assists and 4.5 rebounds per contest.

In his preseason debut for the Spurs, Paul finished with five points, three assists and two rebounds in 23 minutes.