Victor Wembanyama won't make his return in NBA Cup quarterfinals game vs. Lakers
- - Victor Wembanyama won't make his return in NBA Cup quarterfinals game vs. Lakers
Jason OwensDecember 9, 2025 at 8:10 PM
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Victor Wembanyama is closing on his return from a calf strain that's sidelined him since mid-November.
But he won't make that return for the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Previously listed as questionable, Wembanyama was ruled out by the Spurs Tuesday night for Wednesday's NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wembanyama has been sidelined with his injury since Nov. 14. Wednesday's game will mark the 12th straight that he's missed since being injured.
The Spurs, however, have thrived in Wembanyama's absence and gone 8-3 in the games that he's missed. They're off to a 16-7 start and earned the No. 3 seed in the West in the NBA Cup knockout round. But if they're going to advance, they'll do so without their superstar center.
Victor Wembanyama's return to the court will have to wait. ()
That will mean continued reliance on De'Aaron Fox (24.3 ppg, 6.5 apg), Stephon Castle (17.4 ppg, 7.4 apg) and Devin Vassell (15.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg) to carry the load in his absence. It's been a formula for success so far. But the Spurs are certainly they don't have to lean on it much longer.
Wembanyama practiced with his Spurs teammates on Sunday ahead of a Monday win over the Pelicans. It was a welcome sight for his teammates and head coach Mitch Johnson.
"It was a pretty cool moment," Johnson said. "I’m looking forward to getting (Wembanyama) back. He’s getting closer.”
When Wembanyama does return, he'll do so for a Spurs team in position to make its first run to the postseason since 2019 from a loaded Western Conference.
Source: “AOL Sports”
