Lakers Ditch Yellow Court vs Spurs, Doncic Back, Wembanyama Out

The NBA Cup quarterfinal between the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs will use the Lakers standard court after players had trouble slipping on the bright yellow surface during group play. The league made the change "out of an abundance of caution." San Antonio will be without Victor Wembanyama due to a calf injury, and the winners of Wednesday's games head to Las Vegas for the semifinals. The Lakers chase a second NBA Cup after winning the inaugural title. Merlin sees small choices shaping big nights. A safer court limits an avoidable variable, and without Wembanyama the Spurs lose their anchor. The article notes Luka Dončić returned recently and produced a monster stat line in the prior meeting, suggesting confident star play could decide the matchup.