Wembanyama expected to return for Spurs in NBA Cup clash with Thunder

The French phenom has been sidelined with a left calf strain since November 14.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson had confirmed on Wednesday -- when the Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Cup quarter-finals -- that the 21-year-old Wembanyama had resumed five-on-five practice and was nearing a return.

The Spurs have gone 9-3 in Wembanyama's absence, but they will face a tough challenge on Saturday against the reigning NBA champion Thunder and NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

At 24-1, the Thunder have tied the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best 25-game start to a season.

Since their lone defeat, in Portland on November 5, the Thunder have won 16 straight games.