Wembanyama Rib Injury Update: Status Uncertain With Playoffs a Week Away

Victor Wembanyama's rib injury is the one thing Spurs fans did not need heading into the playoffs.

The 7-foot-4 franchise cornerstone took a Paul George elbow to the left side in the second quarter of Sunday's game against Philly. He didn't return. The Spurs still handled the 76ers 115-102 — because they're that deep this year — but Wemby's availability for the final week of the regular season is now a legitimate concern.

San Antonio has clinched the #2 seed in the West and doesn't necessarily need Wembanyama for the remaining regular season games. But rib contusions are tricky. They can linger, affect breathing, and limit mobility — all terrible things for a guy whose game depends on explosive movement on both ends. The Spurs have to balance keeping their spot with keeping their star healthy for what they hope is a deep playoff run.

Expect the Spurs to be cautious. They can afford to be.