Back improving, Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs vs. Blazers

Going four days without a game has been very much to Victor Wembanyama's liking.

The 7-foot-3 star has been able to get some rest for his ailing back and he expects to be healthy when the San Antonio Spurs visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Wembanyama missed San Antonio's game against the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 6 due to back issues. He returned to play against the New Orleans Pelicans two nights later but had to exit the game in the first half due to back pain before later returning.

Perhaps a break like this is what Wembanyama needed.

"Time off has been really beneficial for us," he said. "Beneficial for me as I can keep from getting hit. ... I do feel better."

Wembanyama has been delivering on the court with averages of 23.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.4 blocked shots over 19 games.

However, there are many times when the back pain has affected his play.

"Not in a good way," Wembanyama said with a laugh. "It's something different than what I've experienced in my career. It's not a big deal, but sometimes it stops me from doing things."

Wembanyama ended up playing 26 minutes in the 121-116 victory over the visiting Pelicans. He had 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots as the Spurs halted a three-game slide.

It marked the fourth straight double-double -- including one triple-double -- for Wembanyama.

Stephon Castle had 22 points against the Pelicans while veteran Chris Paul had 10 assists to move into second place on the all-time assists list. Paul has 12,099 and passed Jason Kidd (12,091). John Stockton leads with 15,806.

Portland has lost four straight and eight of its past 10 after falling 107-98 to the host Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

The Trail Blazers may have big man Robert Williams III (concussion) on the floor after he returned to practice on Thursday. Portland coach Chauncey Billups said Williams has one test to pass.

Williams has missed the past six games.

Rookie center Donovan Clingan (knee) also could be available as long he doesn't sustain a setback. He has missed the past seven contests.

Clingan, the No. 7 overall pick in this year's draft, has flashed his potential while averaging 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 17 minutes.

"I want to bring a little more energy, bring a little more pop and fire," the 20-year-old Clingan said. "Run the floor, block shots, rebound and play defense and help the teams win some more games."

To win games, Portland needs to quickly shore up its defense.

The Trail Blazers allowed an average of 135 points over the first three games of their current slide before reducing that number against the Lakers.

"Defensively, our pressure has lightened up," Billups said. "I think we have gotten a little lax defensively."

San Antonio lost forwards Keldon Johnson (calf) and Zach Collins (back) during the victory over New Orleans. Their statuses for the game hadn't been revealed as of Thursday afternoon.

San Antonio registered a 118-105 home win over the Trail Blazers on Nov. 7. The squads play again in San Antonio on Dec. 21.

--Field Level Media