NBA Notes: Spurs, Victor Wmebanyama, Nuggets, Jonas Valanciunas, Lakers

Spurs

Victor Wembanyama offered reassurance after leaving Wednesday’s game with a hyperextended left knee, telling reporters he does not believe the injury is serious.

“It looked worse than it felt,” Wembanyama said, via Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “I’m feeling good, just sore. I was this close to coming back in. They had to hold me back. It was just a hyperextension. It should be minimal.”

The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter when Wembanyama landed awkwardly while battling for an offensive rebound. After being evaluated, he returned to the bench and walked without a limp, later changing into slippers.

Wembanyama said he expects to be available Friday at Indiana, though he acknowledged the team’s medical staff will make the final determination.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the visuals alone were encouraging.

“He finished the game on the bench with his teammates,” Johnson said. “That made me feel good. It was good to see him walk back out there and be able to stay involved.”

Nuggets

Injuries continue to test Denver’s depth.

Center Jonas Valanciunas exited Wednesday’s win in Toronto with a non-contact calf strain, according to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. Valanciunas was making his first start of the season due to Nikola Jokic’s knee injury, which will sideline the MVP for at least four weeks.

The Nuggets are already without Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun.

“I don’t know how serious it is,” coach David Adelman said. “It just seems like every night, somebody has something. The good part is someone else gets an opportunity.”

Before leaving the game, Valanciunas had 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in 23 minutes. He was seen wearing a walking boot after the game but was able to leave under his own power.

With Valanciunas’ status uncertain, rookie DaRon Holmes II could see an expanded role after logging 22 minutes in just his fourth career appearance.

Lakers

The Lakers announced rookie forward Adou Thiero has suffered a sprain of the MCL in his right knee and will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks.

It remains unclear when Thiero sustained the injury. He had appeared in six straight games and 15 of the past 18, including a brief stint in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s loss to Detroit.

The setback comes at an unfortunate time for Thiero, whose NBA debut was delayed until mid-November following knee surgery during his college career. He has averaged 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in limited minutes.

Los Angeles is already thin on the wing, with Austin Reaves sidelined by a calf strain, Gabe Vincent dealing with lower back pain, and Rui Hachimura managing right calf soreness.