NBA: Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama won’t return vs. 76ers

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama exited Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half with a left rib contusion but still recorded 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in the first half. The 22-year-old MVP candidate now needs to play in two of the Spurs’ remaining three games to qualify for postseason awards.

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA / Reuters

April 7, 2026

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) grabs his left shoulder during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on April 6, 2026.

Scott Wachter / Reuters

San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama did not play in the second half of Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering a left rib contusion in a first-half collision with the 76ers' Paul George.

Wembanyama went to the Spurs' locker room twice during the second quarter but returned to finish the half on the court. He finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocked shots in just over 16 minutes of play. These stats count as an official game for postseason award considerations.

The 22-year-old Wembanyama is currently a contender for the NBA Most Valuable Player in his third season. Before Monday, he was averaging 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and a league-high 3.1 blocks per game.

Monday marked Wembanyama's 63rd game of the season. Players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for postseason awards. The Spurs have three games remaining after Monday’s matchup.

—Field Level Media/Reuters