Overview
- Wembanyama is on the official injury report as questionable for Saturday’s home game against Charlotte, with coach Mitch Johnson calling him a game‑time decision and expressing optimism he could play.
- Wembanyama was ruled out late against Denver after testing the ankle in warmups while wearing a brace, and the Spurs blew a 20-point lead in a 136–131 loss that underscored his defensive value.
- Johnson said protecting Wembanyama’s health is the staff’s guiding principle, as the team also manages his appearances to preserve award eligibility; after 15 absences, he can miss only two more to reach 65 games.
- In his absence, San Antonio has tested small‑ball looks with Carter Bryant and Keldon Johnson at center; Harrison Barnes returned from a left ankle issue and scored 20 points off the bench vs. Denver.
- Rookie guard Dylan Harper was ruled out with a calf contusion, while the 48–18 Spurs eye a bounce‑back at home against a Hornets team that won the first meeting 111–106 and lists Coby White and Ryan Kalkbrenner as probable.