Spurs Stars Wembanyama and Castle Ruled Out vs. Trail Blazers

Key injuries for San Antonio ahead of crucial late-season matchup

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a cubist style, conveying the disruption caused by the Spurs' key injuries.A cubist interpretation of the key injuries to Spurs stars Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle ahead of a crucial late-season matchup.San Antonio Today

The San Antonio Spurs will be without star players Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle for Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Both players suffered injuries in the team's previous game and have been ruled out, though the Spurs are hopeful they will return on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Why it matters

The Spurs are in a tight race for the top seed in the Western Conference, so missing their two best players is a significant blow as they try to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. Wembanyama and Castle have been integral to the team's success this season, so their absences will test the Spurs' depth and resilience.

The details

Wembanyama, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, suffered a rib injury in Monday's game and sat out the entire second half. Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, also got hurt on Monday but was able to finish the game. Both players have been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the Trail Blazers, though the Spurs are optimistic they will return on Friday against the Mavericks.

  • Wembanyama and Castle were injured during Monday's game against an unknown opponent.
  • The Spurs play the Trail Blazers on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Spurs are hopeful Wembanyama and Castle will play on Friday, April 10, 2026 against the Mavericks.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' star center, averaging a team-high 24.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game while leading the NBA in blocks per game.

Stephon Castle

The Spurs' starting guard and reigning Rookie of the Year, averaging 16.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Spurs' opponent on Wednesday night, currently sitting outside the Western Conference playoff picture.

Dallas Mavericks

The Spurs' opponent on Friday, April 10, 2026, when the team hopes to have Wembanyama and Castle back in the lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Spurs hopeful both play Friday vs. Dallas”

— Jeff McDonald, Reporter

What’s next

The Spurs will need to rely on their depth and secondary players to step up in the absence of Wembanyama and Castle against the Trail Blazers. If the team can hold its ground and secure a win, the focus will shift to getting its two stars healthy and ready for the crucial matchup against the Mavericks on Friday.

The takeaway

The Spurs' quest for the top seed in the Western Conference has hit a speed bump with the injuries to Wembanyama and Castle. However, the team's depth and resilience will be tested, and if they can weather the storm, they'll be in a strong position to make a deep playoff run with their two stars healthy and rested.