Thursday marks three days since San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama incurred a rib contusion.
While all injuries are unfortunate, this one was especially ill-timed given the juncture of the NBA season and how close Wembanyama is to meeting eligibility for postseason awards.
The 22-year-old Spurs star went down after a collision with Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George in the second quarter of Monday’s game. Wembanyama was examined by the medical staff in the locker room but later returned to the court. Just before halftime, Wembanyama was again escorted to the back and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Wembanyama did not play in San Antonio’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. He was initially ruled doubtful but had his playing status later downgraded to out.
GettyVictor Wembanyama reacts after sustaining a rib injury during a game. The San Antonio Spurs await further evaluation on his status.
There is still no official word on when Wembanyama will play again. Reports say the Spurs are hopeful Wembanyama plays again in the regular season, even as soon as tomorrow night against the Dallas Mavericks, but his status is uncertain for now.
Doctors Report Concerning News About Victor Wembanyama’s Injury
After Wembanyama went down against the 76ers, his teammates and head coach expressed confidence there was nothing major to the injury.
Ahead of last night’s game against Portland, coach Mitch Johnson was non-committal on Wembanyama’s return but reiterated he’s hopeful there is no long-term worry. Wembanyama’s status for Friday’s game has yet to be announced.
However, even if Wembanyama manages to return before the end of the regular season, that doesn’t dismiss the true severity of the injury and its potential to linger.
According to @SpursReporter on X, doctors suggest Wembanyama’s injury may require a multi-week absence.
“Latest imaging on Victor Wembanyama confirms a severe rib bruise- no fracture or cartilage damage,” @SpursReporter wrote. “Depending on the severity, one Orthopedic Specialist and another Sports Medicine Physician I spoke to in Los Angeles said Wemby might only sit out for a few days but could realistically face missing up to two weeks. They also said that if it were not a pro athlete with full-time attention from medical and training staff, like Wembanyama, this is typically a 3–6 week injury. Based on regular standard of care, they shared that once the Spurs’ medical staff can manage his pain enough to allow him to breathe deeply and move without severe restriction, he can return to the court, likely wearing a protective flak jacket or heavy padding. Historically, isolated rib injuries cost NBA players an average of about 10 to 14 days (roughly 6 games).”
Spurs at Risk of Pushing Their Star Back on the Court Too Soon?
According to these professionals, Wembanyama’s injury may be more serious than it looks. The Spurs have made it seem the injury isn’t anything more than minor, but it absolutely could be.
With the postseason on tap and the most meaningful games ahead, Wembanyama’s injury has come at an extremely difficult time. It appears the least San Antonio can do is keep Wembanyama off the court until the playoffs begin, certainly even if it means conceding eligibility for postseason awards.
The official injury report for tomorrow’s game against the Mavericks won’t be announced until later today. It’ll be interesting to see Wembanyama’s listed playing status ahead of Friday’s contest.
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