San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama was a late scratch for Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks after rolling his ankle during warmups.
The 19-year-old hit a layup during an individual workout but stepped on a ball boy's foot along the baseline while turning around. Wembanyama attempted to walk it off before resuming the drill but ultimately ended his warmup early.
Victor Wembanyama ends his pre-game work out early and heads to the locker room frustrated after landing awkwardly on one of the Mavs employees under the basket. pic.twitter.com/wURajkU498
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) December 24, 2023
Wembanyama re-taped his ankle in the locker room and was prepared to play, but the Spurs ruled him out as a precaution, according to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News.
Saturday's unexpected scratch marks Wembanyama's third absence of the season. He missed Tuesday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with a sore right ankle - the same one he tweaked Saturday.
The No. 1 pick of the 2023 draft is averaging 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, three blocks, and 1.4 steals per contest.
