The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as one of the best teams in the NBA and the biggest threat to take down the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference. The Spurs have cemented themselves as the second seed as the NBA playoffs approach in two weeks.
A huge reason for the team’s breakout season has been the play of superstar big man Victor Wembanyama, who remains an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor. San Antonio features some of the best depth in the league, but it is hard to imagine them being this good without Wembanyama.
The 22‑year‑old French superstar has posted 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and an NBA-best 3.1 blocks per game. He is shooting 50.9% from the field and 35.0% from deep across 61 games.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1)© Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(© Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Wembanyama and the Spurs took care of business on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors on the road. Wembanyama collected his second straight 40+ point game and added 18 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in a 127‑113 win.
However, after that dominant performance, it appears his status is now in doubt. With the Spurs playing the second half of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers, the team announced its injury report and Wembanyama’s named appeared.
He was immediately ruled out due to right ankle injury management. The injury is likely not a serious setback for Wembanyama but is intended to keep him rested for the NBA playoffs and manage his workload.
Wembanyama’s Award Eligibility Takes a Hit as Spurs Prioritize Health
With Wembanyama set to miss Thursday’s game against the Clippers, he will now have to play four of the five remaining games for San Antonio to be eligible for major awards like MVP and Defensive Player of the Year under the NBA’s 65-game rule, one of the league’s most polarizing policies.
Wembanyama remains the frontrunner to win Defensive Player of the Year and is widely regarded as the best defensive player in the league. He also remains a candidate for the MVP award, which would be the first of his career.
Throughout his first three years in the league, Wembanyama has already collected a Rookie of the Year award and two All‑Star selections, and adding a DPOY would further build his case as one of the defining players of his generation.
Regardless, Wembanyama’s focus is not on individual success but on team success and winning his first NBA Finals. If ruling him out on Thursday keeps him fresher for the postseason, the Spurs will gladly take the trade-off.
Related: Brandin Podziemski Sends Message to Warriors Teammate After Season-Ending Injury
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.