Victor Wembanyama’s night was cut short due to a rib injury in the San Antonio Spurs matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. The game was tied at 29 points with 10:47 remaining in the second quarter when Wembanyama collided with 76ers forward Paul George. Wembanyama was hit in the rib, resulting in a contusion.
He went to the locker room but returned to the game with 5:33 left. He attempted to finish the game, but he was clearly uncomfortable. He asked to be subbed out and exited the court with 44 seconds left of the second quarter. He sat out for the rest of the game. Despite the injury, the Spurs secured the win 115-102.
Wembanyama immediately underwent testing on Tuesday, and determined that he avoided a significant injury. He was ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. On Friday, the Spurs will play the Dallas Mavericks, before their final game on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets. The Spurs are hopeful that Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, who is out with right knee soreness, will return for Friday’s game. The Spurs are second in the Western Conference, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, by only 2.5 games. The Spurs cannot finish lower than second and are clinched for playoffs.
Wembanyama only played 15:40 against the 76ers. Players are given two exceptions for the 20-minute requirement as long as they played for 15 minutes. This was his second time using the exception. For Wembanyama to be a contender for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, he needs to play at least 20 minutes in one more game.
There is a lot at stake for Wembayama and the Spurs right now. This injury came at an inconvenient time, but the team’s perseverance will lead them through the final two games.
