Victor Wembanyama concussion recovery timeline: How does the NBA protocol work, when can he return for the Spurs?

TL;DR

Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He must follow the NBA's return-to-play protocol, which includes a minimum 48-hour recovery period before he can resume playing.

Key points

Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion during a game.
He must follow the NBA's return-to-play protocol.
Players cannot resume playing for at least 48 hours after diagnosis.
Wembanyama is hopeful to travel for Game 3.
Gradual resumption of physical activity is allowed after 24 hours.

Victor WembanyamaSan Antonio SpursPortland Trail Blazers

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion after he fell and hit his face on the court during Tuesday’s loss to Portland Trail Blazers. The NBA has a regimented return-to-play protocol that will ultimately determine when he might be able to resume playing in the teams’ first-round NBA playoff series.

Wembanyama was at the Spurs’ practice facility on Wednesday, and ESPN reported he is “hopeful” of traveling to Portland on Thursday. Once a player is diagnosed with a concussion they are not allowed to resume playing for at least 48 hours. Game 3 of the series is Friday, which falls outside that window, but Wembanyama will need to clear a rigorous series of tests and evaluations before he is cleared to play.

A baseline neurological evaluation given the to player prior to season will be used to assess their recovery during the official protocol.

What’s next?

According to the NBA’s concussion protocol, Players are allowed to gradually resume physical activity 24 hours after the concussion was diagnosed — provided the activity doesn’t worsen their symptoms. Until they are encouraged to limit their use of electronic devices, including video games, and focus on their overall health and nutrition. They also are encouraged to not spend time around large groups of people.

Clearance requirements

To be allowed to resume playing in a game, played have to clear a handful of requirements in the protocal. The NBA defines these as:

“He is without concussion-related symptoms at rest
He has been evaluated by a physician with training and experience in the management of concussion
He has successfully completed the NBA return-to-participation exertion process

Q&A

What is the NBA concussion protocol for players like Victor Wembanyama?

The NBA concussion protocol requires players to undergo a series of tests and evaluations before returning to play, including a minimum 48-hour recovery period.

When can Victor Wembanyama return to play for the Spurs after his concussion?

Wembanyama cannot return for Game 3 on Friday, as it falls within the 48-hour recovery window, but he may be eligible for subsequent games depending on his recovery.

What activities are restricted for players under the NBA concussion protocol?

Players are advised to limit electronic device use, avoid large groups, and focus on health and nutrition until cleared to resume physical activity.