Spurs Receive Positive Update on Wembanyama's Rib Injury

MRI results show no structural damage, keeping Wembanyama's season on track for awards contention.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:04am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the overlapping movements and collisions of a basketball game, with the figure of Victor Wembanyama at the center surrounded by fragmented shapes and lines.A cubist interpretation of the physical battle between the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama and the 76ers, capturing the intensity of their matchup despite Wembanyama's rib injury scare.San Antonio Today

The San Antonio Spurs received encouraging news on star center Victor Wembanyama after he exited Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers with a rib injury. An MRI revealed no structural damage, and Wembanyama has been classified as day-to-day moving forward. This positive update boosts the Spurs' playoff outlook and preserves Wembanyama's eligibility for major individual awards like MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's health is crucial for the Spurs' postseason aspirations as well as his chances of winning prestigious individual awards this season. The clean MRI result allows the team to approach his recovery cautiously without long-term concern, while also keeping him on track to meet the NBA's 65-game eligibility rule for award consideration.

The details

Wembanyama left Monday's game in the second quarter after multiple collisions, including contact with Paul George and teammate Keldon Johnson. He briefly returned to finish the half but did not play in the second half. Initial X-rays were negative, and follow-up testing confirmed there is no structural damage to Wembanyama's ribs. He has been listed as doubtful for the Spurs' upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers, but there is optimism he could return before the end of the regular season.

  • Wembanyama left Monday's game against the 76ers in the second quarter with a rib injury.
  • The Spurs announced Wembanyama underwent a clean MRI and will be considered day-to-day moving forward.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The 22-year-old All-Star center for the San Antonio Spurs, who is a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and MVP this season.

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.

Paul George

The star forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, who was involved in one of the collisions with Wembanyama.

Keldon Johnson

A teammate of Wembanyama on the San Antonio Spurs, who was also involved in one of the collisions with Wembanyama.

Chris Haynes

An NBA insider who reported the details of Wembanyama's MRI results.

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What they’re saying

“I think it would be a positive that he felt he could play the last four-to-five minutes of the half... but I have nothing on his future status.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

“Sources: San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (rib contusion) underwent a clean MRI and avoided a serious injury. He will be ruled day-to-day moving forward.”

— Chris Haynes, NBA Insider

What’s next

The Spurs have listed Wembanyama as doubtful for their upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers, but there is optimism internally that he could return before the end of the regular season. The team is expected to evaluate his condition daily before deciding on his availability.

The takeaway

This positive injury update for Wembanyama is a significant relief for the Spurs, who are poised for a deep playoff run. It also preserves his eligibility for major individual awards like MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, which he is firmly in contention for after a standout season. The Spurs will now focus on Wembanyama's recovery, balancing caution with the opportunity to get him back on the court before the postseason.