Luke Kornet

Saturday's NBA Cup semifinal will be Wembanyama's first game since November 14, and the Spurs will not take any chances with his health. He'll be restricted in two ways: the Spurs will sub him out earlier than usual, resulting in shorter stints on the court, and his overall playing time will decrease. Luke Kornet will shift back into his usual backup center role, but his ceiling may be slightly higher than usual due to the restrictions the team is imposing on Wembanyama.

Wembanyama will be a welcomed site on the court, as the Spurs will try to take down the red-hot Thunder, winners of 16 straight games. Wemby may face restrictions in his first game back as he works his way back into game shape. His return should mean fewer minutes for Luke Kornet and Julian Champagnie. Bismack Biyombo may fall completely out of the rotation.

Wemby had a chance to play against Los Angeles after practicing this past weekend, but the Spurs will wait at least one more game. Luke Kornet will start at least one more game, where he hasn't met expectations as a streamer.

Castle is back in the Spurs' lineup after missing nine games, resulting in Julian Champagnie heading back to the bench. Castle's minutes may be restricted, so Champagnie will undoubtedly play rotation minutes. Also, Kornet has been upgraded from questionable to available after missing Friday's loss to the Cavaliers with a sprained ankle.

Kornet missed Friday's game against the Cavs, but the Spurs are expecting him to suit up on Monday, even if he is still officially listed as questionable. With Victor Wembanyama (calf) doubtful, Kornet should get at least one more game as a starter.