Wembanyama Enters Protocol

Victor Wembanyama entered the National Basketball Association’s concussion protocol after a hard fall in San Antonio’s Game 2 loss to Portland on Tuesday night. (espn.com) ESPN reported that Wembanyama sustained a concussion in the second quarter after hitting the floor on a drive and did not return. Portland then erased a late deficit and won 106-103 to tie the first-round series 1-1. (espn.com) (apnews.com) The league’s 2025-26 concussion policy bars a player diagnosed with a concussion from returning to full participation without restriction for at least 48 hours after the injury. The policy also requires a step-by-step return process and final medical clearance. (cms.nba.com) That timetable puts Friday’s Game 3 in focus. Yahoo Sports reported that Game 3 falls outside the initial 48-hour window, but Wembanyama still must complete testing and remain symptom-free before he can be cleared to play. (sports.yahoo.com) (cms.nba.com) The injury changes a series that had turned into a showcase for San Antonio’s franchise center. The Associated Press reported that the series is tied 1-1 as it shifts to Portland for Game 3. (apnews.com) Portland’s comeback in Game 2 showed the immediate swing. Scoot Henderson scored 31 points, and the Trail Blazers closed out the win after Wembanyama’s exit. (espn.com) (nba.com) The protocol itself is built around symptoms, not a fixed game count. The National Basketball Association says players move through treatment, exertion, non-contact work and full basketball activity only if they do not have a return of symptoms. (cms.nba.com) For San Antonio, the next update matters more than any early guess. Until Wembanyama clears each step and gets final approval, his status for the rest of this Portland series remains day to day. (cms.nba.com) (sports.yahoo.com)