In a significant shift for the San Antonio Spurs, center Victor Wembanyama will return to the starting lineup for the matchup against the Utah Jazz on March 23, 2024. In a contrasting development, point guard De’Aaron Fox will not participate in the game due to tightness in his left adductor muscle.
Wembanyama has been on the bench for the past seven games after recovering from a strained left calf that sidelined him for twelve games earlier in the season. Initially, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson opted to limit Wembanyama’s minutes to facilitate his return to optimal strength and conditioning. The 7-foot-4 star’s return to the starting role indicates a positive step in his recovery.
Fox’s Injury and Its Impact
Fox’s absence marks another setback for the Spurs, as he was downgraded from questionable to out on the day of the game. The point guard had previously missed the first eight games of the season due to a right hamstring strain suffered during the offseason. Despite these challenges, he has made a notable impact this season, averaging 21.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds across 22 games.
The Spurs have been on a remarkable run, winning eight consecutive games, including three victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder in just two weeks. In Fox’s absence, Julian Champagnie will step up to make his 18th start of the season, adding depth to the team’s roster as they continue to strive for success.
As the Spurs prepare for the game against the Jazz, the focus will be on how Wembanyama’s return to the starting lineup affects the team’s dynamic and performance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if San Antonio can maintain their momentum in the absence of Fox, a key player in their recent successes.
