Spurs' Victor Wembanyama exits game with shoulder injury

Rookie star won't return after collision with 76ers' Paul George

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:55am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the collision between two basketball players, with their bodies and the court breaking down into sharp, angular shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the collision between Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and 76ers forward Paul George, capturing the chaotic energy of the moment.Philadelphia Today

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama left Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter due to a left rib contusion suffered in a collision with 76ers forward Paul George. Wembanyama, who is in the mix for NBA MVP in his third season, scored 17 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and blocked 3 shots in the first half before exiting.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's health is crucial for the Spurs' playoff hopes, as he has emerged as one of the league's brightest young stars. The team is fighting for position in the Western Conference standings, so any extended absence could impact their postseason seeding.

The details

Wembanyama went to the locker room twice in the second quarter after the collision with George but was able to finish the first half on the court. He entered the game averaging 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-high 3.1 blocks per game. Players must appear in 65 games to qualify for postseason awards, and Monday's game was Wembanyama's 63rd of the season.

  • The incident occurred in the second quarter of Monday's game.
  • Wembanyama will not return for the second half.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old center for the San Antonio Spurs who is in the mix for NBA MVP in his third season.

Paul George

A forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who was involved in the collision with Wembanyama.

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What’s next

The Spurs have three games remaining after Monday's contest against the 76ers. It's unclear if Wembanyama will be able to return for any of those games or if the injury will impact his chances of qualifying for postseason awards.

The takeaway

This injury to Wembanyama is a significant concern for the Spurs, as he has been a driving force behind their success this season. The team will need to closely monitor his recovery and determine if he can return before the end of the regular season.