Spurs rule out Victor Wembanyama vs. Bulls due to back soreness

Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama is out with a bad back and will not suit up Thursday when San Antonio welcomes the Chicago Bulls.

San Antonio officially dubbed the injury bilateral low back soreness in confirming Wembanyama was ruled out as a precaution. Zach Collins was expected to start in his place for the Spurs.

Wembanyama, 20, leads San Antonio in scoring and is the league's leader in blocks with 3.4 per game. He was named Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for November.

Wembanyama appeared to be in discomfort getting to his feet with 2:23 remaining in an 11-point loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, which eliminated the Spurs from the NBA Cup.

Slicing to the basket, Wembanyama was whistled for a charge as Bradley Beal slid to get position. Both players remained in the game until the Spurs removed Wembanyama in the final seconds.

In his second NBA season, Wembanyama is averaging 23.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Spurs.

The Spurs are also holding out point guard Tre Jones for the second consecutive game with a sprained left shoulder.

--Field Level Media