Wembanyama Needs 1 Game in Last 3 for MVP Eligibility After Rib Injury

Victor Wembanyama left Monday night's win over the 76ers after a collision with Paul George near midcourt in the second quarter. The initial diagnosis: left rib contusion. The Spurs held him out for the rest of the game and immediately sent him for an MRI.

The good news? The MRI came back negative. Head coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama is "making progress" and the team is "hopeful" he returns for Friday's matchup against Dallas. He's been ruled out for tonight's game against Portland.

Here's where it gets interesting. Wembanyama has played 64 games this season. The NBA's 65-game threshold requires players to appear in at least 65 games with 20+ minutes each to qualify for end-of-season awards. That means Wemby needs to suit up for at least one of the Spurs' final three games to remain eligible for MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA, and All-Defensive teams. For a player putting up 25.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and 3.6 assists — missing those awards due to a technicality would be brutal.