Wembanyama MRI Clean — But He Needs to Play 1 More Game for MVP Eligibility

Victor Wembanyama dodged a bullet. The MRI on his left rib contusion — suffered in a collision with Paul George during Monday's win over Philly — came back clean. No fracture, no structural damage. The Spurs are calling him day-to-day and are "hopeful" he returns for Friday's game against Dallas.

But here's the wrinkle: Wembanyama needs to play at least 20 minutes in one of San Antonio's three remaining regular-season games to remain eligible for end-of-season awards — including MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. He's played 63 games so far this season, and the league's 65-game threshold is non-negotiable.

The Spurs won without him Wednesday night, with De'Aaron Fox dropping 25 in a 112-101 win over Portland. But everyone in San Antonio knows the real season doesn't start until Wemby's back on the floor.