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Victor Wembanyama's Status Ahead of Spurs-Mavericks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 7:29 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs had to deal with a challenging setback with Victor Wembanyama on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. He did not finish the contest and had to leave the game after suffering a rib injury. The Spurs later disclosed that Wembaynama had sustained a rib contusion.

Wembanyama only played 15 minutes against the 76ers and had to leave the game. It's a crucial moment for the team since there are three games left in the season before the start of the first round of the playoffs.

Wembanyama's ability to play the remaining games was questioned following the injury. If he doesn't, it will affect his eligibility to win NBA awards, which many fans believe he deserves.

Shams Charania Reveals Victor Wembanyama's Status

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1)© Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

On Wednesday's episode of "NBA Countdown," ESPN's Shams Charania gave an update on Wembanyama's status. It was already reported that the young star was ruled out for the Spurs' game against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. However, there is hope for fans to see him back on the floor before the season ends.

“There’s confidence that Victor Wembanyama will be able to play at least one of these final two games, as soon as Friday, against the Dallas Mavericks, at home, potentially,” Charania said.

Reporting for ESPN NBA Countdown on San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama's health and ramp up to his first postseason: pic.twitter.com/sAqb2Zyw3s
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 8, 2026

“The good news for the Spours, tests showed a bad bruise to his rib and that can impact his breathing. Right now, he is day-to-day.”

Wembanyama must play at least one more game, with a minimum of 20 minutes, according to Charania, to reach the 65-game minimum and be eligible for the NBA honors. The ESPN reporter said that the Spurs star is confident that he can do that in the next two final games of the schedule.

He's a favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year and a top candidate to win the MVP award. He's also having an amazing campaign, which is deserving of an All-NBA nod. If Wembanyama meets the requirements, he could take home more than one award.

Charania also discussed how Wembanyama will hold up in the playoffs. Malika Andrews, his co-host, noted that the Spurs star will need to step up and play more minutes than he is used to.

“The Spurs are viewing the regular season as a ramp-up period for the playoffs… They’re gonna be intentionally careful with him, anytime he has multiple injuries over the course of a season,” Charania added.

The intensity in the playoffs is a different thing, and it could pose a new challenge for the Spurs and Wembanyama.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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