Victor Wembanyama Injury Update, Latest on Spurs Star's Rib and NBA Award Status

San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama is expected to play at least one of his team's final two games, according to ESPN's Shams Charania:

Charania noted Wembanyama needs to play just 20 minutes of one more game in order to be eligible for MVP, All-NBA or any other major award.

The star center suffered a left rib contusion after taking a fall in the first half of Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on Tuesday that an MRI on Wembanyama's rib came back clean and he avoided a serious injury. He's considered day-to-day.

Charania previously reported the Spurs were not bracing for a "major injury" to their center.

Wembanyama, who is looking to reach the 65-game threshold to be eligible for postseason awards, will be granted a "near-miss" exception for Monday's game after playing just 16 minutes, four short of what is needed for a game to be counted.

Earlier this season, Wembanyama missed time with calf and knee injuries, and the Spurs remained cautious by bringing him off the bench when he returned. In all, he's played 62 games with 53 starts, and he's been an absolute force on the court with averages of 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Wembanyama has lived up to expectations as the league's next phenom. However, his injury history is starting to pile up. After playing in 71 games as a rookie, he was limited to 46 games in 2024-25 following the discovery of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

The Spurs are undoubtedly hoping that Wembanyama can have a long, healthy career, so they won't rush his recovery. At 60-19, San Antonio has been one of the best teams in the league this season and ranks 2nd in the Western Conference.

If Wembanyama is forced to miss time, the Spurs would rely on veteran centers Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk to fill the void until he's able to return.