Wemby is officially OUT tonight vs.

The Spurs ruled Victor Wembanyama out for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers due to a left rib contusion, along with Stephon Castle (sore right knee). Wemby's MRI came back clean — no structural damage — but San Antonio isn't taking chances with their franchise cornerstone.

Here's where it gets interesting: Wembanyama has played 64 games this season. He needs one more to hit the 65-game threshold required for MVP, DPOY, and All-NBA eligibility. With three regular-season games remaining after tonight, there's no reason to rush him back for Portland.

The Spurs are locked into the 2-seed regardless. Wemby's averaging monster numbers — he's the favorite for both MVP and DPOY — and one healthy game against any of their final opponents will keep him in the running. The franchise is playing the long game, and they should.