Wembanyama’s Return Timeline Hangs on Concussion Protocol

After a face-first fall in Game 2, Victor Wembanyama was ruled out and placed in NBA concussion protocol. While Game 3 in Portland could, in theory, see him cleared, the Spurs are expected to be cautious given the protocol’s steps: 24 hours of no activity, then progressive, medically supervised exertion until symptom-free. Average NBA concussion recoveries run about 7 days (median) to 9.3 days (mean), but individual recoveries vary, so a return by Games 4 or 5 remains a realistic possibility rather than an imminent return for Game 3.