Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama suffers from back pain every day

SAN ANTONIO – Spurs star Victor Wembanyama sat out Friday’s 140-113 loss at Sacramento because of bilateral lower back pain, the team announced.

Wembanyama took to the pitch for a pre-match warm-up before the team decided to rule him out for a second straight game.

“I would say it’s the definition of everyday,” Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said.

Wembanyama appeared to have suffered an injury Tuesday night in Phoenix when he was whistled for a collision with Bradley Beal. Wembanyama remained in the game until he was substituted with six seconds left and appeared slightly unwell on the way to the dressing room after the defeat.

“I don’t think the injury was related to any particular game,” Johnson said. “I’m sure that play didn’t help, but I don’t think it was any particular play.”

Johnson said “it’s the hope” that Wembanyama returns for Sunday’s home game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Wembanyama, the Spurs’ leading scorer, is averaging 23.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.4 blocked shots per game, which is the highest in the league. On Tuesday, he was named the NBA Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month.

“It’s cool,” Wembanyama said of the award. “I think it just means we have the potential to be a (strong) defensive team.”

Wembanyama missed three games in November with a bruised right knee.

Against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, the Spurs started Jeremy Sochan at center in Wembanyama’s place while increasing the minutes for reserve centers Charles Bassey and Zach Collins. Collins got the start against the Kings.

San Antonio’s Tre Jones (shoulder) was also out Friday, as was Devin Vassell, who is returning from multiple injuries and is currently unable to play for the second straight night.