Is Victor Wembanyama playing in Game 3? What to know about Spurs star's injury and concussion protocol

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Is Victor Wembanyama playing in Game 3? What to know about Spurs star's injury and concussion protocol originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Victor Wembanyama has the San Antonio Spurs' playoff fortunes in his hands -- or, more accurately, in his head.

Wembanyama exited Game 2 of the Spurs' first-round series with the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half, when he suffered a suspected concussion after his head bounced off the court. The Spurs blew a 15-point lead without him, and the Trail Blazers rallied for a 106-103 win that evens the series at one apiece.

But the biggest story in this series -- and one of the biggest storylines in the NBA playoffs -- centers on Wembanyama's progression through the protocol, which stands to prohibit his return for Game 3.

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Is Victor Wembanyama playing in Game 3?

It's still unknown if Wembanyama will be cleared to play in Game 3.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed Tuesday night that Wembanyama would be in the NBA's concussion protocol for 48 hours. Game 3 of the Spurs-Blazers series takes place Friday night. That means Wembanyama will be in a race against time to be ready to play when the series shifts to Portland.

ESPN's Shams Charania provided an update on Wednesday, reporting that Wembanyama reported to San Antonio's practice facility and was hopeful to travel with the team to Portland for Game 3.

Charania later added that Wembanyama participated in "cardio work" because his symptoms didn't worsen. 

"Whether he is able to clear concussion protocol in time to play in Game 3 on Friday in Portland is an obvious question and jeopardy for the Spurs," said Charania.

"48 hours after suffering the concussion is when Victor Wembanyama would be able to, without restrictions, participate in activities. Within 24 hours, you're able to have at least light activities, which is what he was able to do today because his symptoms didn't worsen."

Sure enough, Wembanyama will join the Spurs on their trip to Portland, leaving the door open to a return.

MORE:Victor Wembanyama's concussion recovery timeline, return date after injury

The Spurs are unlikely to rush Wembanyama back into action, given how San Antonio has handled the Defensive Player of the Year's previous injuries.

Last season, Wembanyama was shut down for the year in February after a deep vein thrombosis was discovered in his right shoulder. Early this season, Wembanyama missed 12 regular-season games with a soft tissue injury, and he was brought off the bench on a minutes restriction when he returned.

Additionally, the Spurs have a 12-6 record this season without Wembanyama, which might prompt some confidence that De'Aaron Fox and company can hold it down while the All-Star anchor is out.

Seeing as the Spurs are likely to exercise significant caution with their prized big man, Wembanyama has little hope of playing Game 3, and his symptoms would have to clear up entirely for him to play Game 4 on Sunday.

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