While Victor Wembanyama is technically listed as probable for Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal against Oklahoma City, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson was certainly talking on Friday as though the star big man would be playing, tweets Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News.

The San Antonio Spurs expect nothing from Victor Wembanyama but himself. Ahead of his return to play, he's ready to accept that challenge.

The All-Star center reached an important benchmark in his rehab by doing 5-on-5 work in Los Angeles and could be on track to return for the NBA Cup semifinals.

Following the Spurs' NBA Cup game win over the Lakers, head coach Mitch Johnson was asked when Wemby could return to the floor. The first-year coach signaled that he could return from his calf strain as soon as Saturday against the Thunder—potentially giving the Silver & Black a major boost against the defending champions.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to return on a minutes restriction Saturday after missing 12 games, said he wanted to come back much sooner but had to "trust the process."

Wembanyama last played during an NBA Cup Group C game against the Golden State Warriors on November 14. An MRI later confirmed a left calf strain, announced by the Spurs on November 17. San Antonio stayed careful, following league-wide trends around calf injuries.

Dressed in all black, presumably mourning the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Cup hopes, LeBron James uncapped a sharpie and put felt to polyester. "To: S

Johnson's early 3-point barrage helped the Spurs beat the Lakers and get to Las Vegas, where Victory Wembanyama might return.