Victor Wembanyama will return to the San Antonio Spurs’ lineup for Saturday night’s NBA Cup semifinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wembanyama has missed 12 games after suffering a calf strain last month.
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Following the team’s NBA Cup quarterfinal victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters that Wembanyama might be ready to make his return from injury over the weekend.
“Very much so,” Johnson said. “He had a really good day today. He had a very intense day this morning, and we’ll have to see how he responds or reacts (Thursday).”
Wembanyama went through an intense workout Wednesday and then worked out again during pregame warmups before the Lakers game. He was able to get through that workout without any extra protection on his strained calf, according to Johnson.
Wembanyama hasn’t played since Nov. 14. However, the Spurs have been able to get through this stretch with a 9-3 record without their All-Star big man and defensive anchor.
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“I think Victor would tell you we have a deep team, and we rely upon playing together as a team,” Johnson said. “He may be the biggest puzzle piece, but he needs everybody else to complete the puzzle.”
In Wembanyama’s absence, other players like 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle have had to step up even more to help carry the load. In Wednesday’s win over the Lakers, Castle scored 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished 6 assists. De’Aaron Fox chipped in with 20 points, and Keldon Johnson scored 17 off the bench.
“I think Victor would tell you we have a deep team, and we rely upon playing together as a team,” Johnson said. “He may be the biggest puzzle piece, but he needs everybody else to complete the puzzle.”
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Although Wembanyama has missed half of San Antonio’s 24 games this season, the Spurs are 17-7 overall and currently fifth in the Western Conference. When Wembanyama is on the court, he’s been as dominant as ever this season, averaging career-highs of 26.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, along with 3.6 blocks.
Should the Spurs get by the Thunder, they would face either the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic in Tuesday’s NBA Cup championship game in Las Vegas.
