Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' star center, is expected to miss at least a few weeks due to a left calf strain confirmed by MRI. The 21-year-old phenom's absence leaves a significant void in the team's offense and defense after a strong 9-4 start to the 2025-26 season. Coach Mitch Johnson emphasized caution with the injury, highlighting its risks in the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama was sidelined from the Spurs' Sunday win over the Sacramento Kings due to what was initially calf tightness, but an MRI revealed a left calf strain. The Spurs have not provided a specific timetable beyond updates as appropriate, though the injury is expected to sideline him for at least a few weeks. Recovery for calf strains in the NBA typically takes 2-3 weeks, but one in three cases exceeds 20 days and one in five surpasses 30 days, according to injury analyst Jeff Stotts.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson addressed the injury's seriousness, stating, "Obviously, we've seen around this league recently, the calf-tightness thing is not something you want to take lightly. Don't want to push it there." Wembanyama's early-season dominance has been crucial: he ranks 14th in scoring, second in rebounding, and first in blocks per game, on pace for 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks—joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and David Robinson as the only players to achieve such averages since blocks were tracked in 1973-74.
The Spurs' 12th-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense rely heavily on Wembanyama, who leads in minutes, field-goal attempts, free-throw attempts, frontcourt touches, and usage rate at nearly 31%. Without him, the team allows 123.5 points per 100 possessions, compared to 106.5 with him on the floor.
To compensate offensively, the Spurs will lean on De’Aaron Fox, averaging 22 points and 6.8 assists on 51/38/92 shooting in his first five games back from injury, and Stephon Castle, who has 7.5 assists and 13.1 drives per game but is out Tuesday against the Grizzlies with hip flexor soreness. Devin Vassell and the returning Dylan Harper, expected after Thanksgiving from his own calf strain, will also see increased roles. Defensively, backup center Luke Kornet has been key, holding opponents to 47.4% at the rim, though he missed seven games. Alternatives include Bismack Biyombo and Kelly Olynyk, who provided eight assists in 18 minutes against the Kings.
Jeremy Sochan, back from a sprained wrist, could expand his role as a versatile defender. The Spurs face a tough stretch: Grizzlies, Hawks, Suns, Trail Blazers, Nuggets, and Timberwolves. An extended absence could impact Wembanyama's eligibility for awards like MVP and Defensive Player of the Year due to the 65-game minimum.