Report: Victor Wembanyama (rib) likely to return this week

Field Level Media|published: Tue 7th April, 20:32 2026

Apr 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

While Victor Wembanyama is listed as doubtful for the San Antonio Spurs' Thursday home game against the Portland Trail Blazers, he avoided a serious rib injury and is expected to return this week, per an ESPN report.

The MVP candidate sustained a left rib contusion in the second quarter Monday when he collided with Philadelphia forward Paul George. Wembanyama originally returned to the game for a few minutes, but was in visible pain and didn't play in the second half.

Testing done on Tuesday showed that Wembanyama avoided serious injury and is day-to-day, per ESPN. Wembanyama needs to play at least 20 minutes in one of the Spurs' final three games in order to reach the 65-game threshold required for postseason award consideration.

In addition to being in the MVP conversation, Wembanyama is a heavy favorite to win her first NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in his third season. He finished second in DPOY voting as a rookie in 2023-24.

Wembanyama, 22, is averaging a career-high 24.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He leads the league in blocks per game (3.1, more than one more than anyone else) and is fourth in rebounding.

--Field Level Media

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