Spurs’ fears take shape as Victor Wembanyama heads to locker room with concerning injury vs Pelicans

Making his return after missing two games due to back problems, Victor Wembanyama appeared to aggravate his back injury less than three minutes into the San Antonio Spurs' matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.

Wembanyama had been sidelined by what the Spurs described as "bilateral low back soreness," which kept him out of their double-digit defeats to the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings.

On Sunday, while trying to disrupt an alley-oop attempt by the Pelicans, Wembanyama fell awkwardly and was visibly in pain.

The sophomore phenom is averaging 23.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game on 47.6% shooting, including 33.7% from beyond the arc.

Victor Wembanyama missed three games in November due to a bruised right knee.

After Wembanyama’s exit, Zach Collins was brought in to replace him but also suffered a back injury during the game and did not return.

Stephon Castle also left the game and headed to the locker room but returned shortly.

Spurs fans breathe a sigh of relief as Victor Wembanyama returns to action

Victor Wembanyama avoided a serious setback, reentering the game less than three minutes into the second quarter after his early exit.

Spurs fans expressed their relief online as their rising star returned to the court.

“Wemby checks back into the game! Some much needed good news,” a Victor Wembanyama fan page said.

“Atta boy, that's what pain killers are for,” another said.

“My king, everyone talking s**t about his back can stay on that side,” another added.

The relief grew after the Spurs also dealt with Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins and Stephon Castle all heading to the locker room during the game.

“CURSE BEEN REVOKED,” one said.

“Just park the ambulance courtside and take a field trip after the game,” another said.

“Spurs have a target on they back holy s**t,” another added.

In his rookie season, Wembanyama missed 11 games but still managed to average 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists, earning him the Rookie of the Year title. He is among the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year this season.