After missing the playoffs last year, the San Antonio Spurs entered the 2025-26 season determined not to repeat the same mistakes. So far, that focus has paid off. The Spurs sit with a 17-7 record in the league and have also punched their ticket to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Amid this surge, the team has received a major dose of positive news about their franchise star, Victor Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama Might Return to the Squad Soon
In a recent report, ESPN insider Shams Charania has shared encouraging news regarding the Spurs’ franchise star.
According to Charania, Wembanyama is trending toward making his return for Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. The final decision will be made after he goes through today’s practice session.
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama is likely to return for Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, sources tell ESPN. Final clearance will come after today’s practice for Wembanyama, who’s been sidelined since Nov. 14 due to a calf strain. pic.twitter.com/KcuApywXJb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 12, 2025
If we see Wembanyama till now has missed 12 games because of this injury, and he first experienced this issue after the November 14 game against the Golden State Warriors, which the Spurs lost. In that game, he delivered a strong performance as he scored 26 points and 12 rebounds. Moreover, there was no clear moment during the game that caused concern.
Instead, he reported tightness in his calf after the final buzzer. An MRI the next day revealed a strain, and doctors advised a multi-week recovery plan. Given how calf injuries can sometimes develop into more serious Achilles problems, the Spurs’ medical team chose to take a careful and patient approach. In simple words, they ensured no risks were taken with their cornerstone player.
Before the injury, Wembanyama was averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and four assists per game. Without him, the Spurs have gone 9-3 during this stretch. A big reason has been the backcourt, where De’Aaron Fox has stepped up with around 24.0 points per game and Stephon Castle has contributed with 18.2 points a night to help carry the scoring load.
Their most recent performance, which was the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers, showed just how well the Spurs have adapted.
San Antonio controlled the game from the opening tip, leading by nine points after the first quarter and growing that lead to 12 by halftime. In the fourth quarter, they held their biggest lead of the night at 24 points. The Lakers struggled to respond, and ultimately they lost (132-119).
Next, the Spurs will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 13 in the NBA Cup semifinals. All eyes will be on whether Wembanyama suits up for that high-stakes matchup.