Wembanyama Returns as Spurs Host Hornets

All-World rookie Victor Wembanyama is back in the lineup as San Antonio takes on Charlotte.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Charlotte Hornets are looking to replicate their earlier season success against the San Antonio Spurs, who will have star rookie Victor Wembanyama back in the lineup after a one-game absence. Wembanyama is playing at an MVP-level, leading the Spurs to a league-best 24-9 record in the new year with his two-way impact. Charlotte's lineup will feature LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate, who had success slowing down Wembanyama in their previous matchup. San Antonio's starters include De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell, and Wembanyama.

Why it matters

This game features a matchup between two of the NBA's most exciting young teams, with the Hornets looking to prove their earlier victory over the Spurs was no fluke. Wembanyama's return will be a major storyline, as the generational talent looks to lead San Antonio to victory against a Hornets squad that has shown the ability to slow him down.

The details

Charlotte knocked off Wembanyama and San Antonio in a snow-covered Spectrum Center earlier this season, winning 111-106. The Hornets will be relying on Brandon Miller to create offense against San Antonio's physical wing defenders, while Miles Bridges looks to build on a strong performance in the team's most recent game. For the Spurs, Wembanyama's availability will be a major factor, as the rookie has been dominant this season, leading the team to the best record in the league since the new year.

  • The Hornets and Spurs will tip off at 3:30 PM ET on March 14, 2026.
  • Wembanyama sat out San Antonio's most recent contest, a Thursday night loss against the Nuggets.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 7'4" rookie sensation playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama is considered a generational talent and is leading the Spurs to the best record in the league since the new year with his dominant two-way play.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, Ball is coming off a 30-point, 6-rebound, 5-assist performance in the team's most recent game.

Moussa Diabate

The Hornets' starting center, Diabate had success slowing down Wembanyama in the teams' previous matchup earlier this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Hornets and Spurs will meet again on March 29th in Charlotte, providing another opportunity for the two young squads to battle it out.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Hornets and Spurs features two of the NBA's most exciting young teams, with the return of generational talent Victor Wembanyama adding extra intrigue. Charlotte has shown it can slow down Wembanyama, but the Spurs' rookie sensation will be looking to lead his team to victory and cement San Antonio's status as one of the league's elite squads.