Victor Wembanyama ruled out with sprained ankle as San Antonio Spurs face crucial stretch in quest to avoid franchise-worst record

San Antonio Spurs' promising rookie Victor Wembanyama will be sidelined for Monday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns due to a sprained left ankle, with no definite timeline for his return provided. The 7-foot-3 center's absence comes after he suffered the injury during a recent game against the Suns, where he showcased his talent with an impressive stat line despite the setback. Wembanyama, the top pick in the previous year's draft, has been a standout performer for the struggling Spurs team, averaging impressive numbers and making a strong case for Rookie of the Year honors.

With a record of 15-56, San Antonio faces the daunting task of needing to win five of their remaining 11 games to avoid finishing with their worst record in franchise history. Despite Wembanyama's stellar contributions, the team has struggled of late, losing three straight and eight of their last 10 games. The Spurs will have to navigate through this challenging period without their standout rookie, hoping to rally and finish the season on a stronger note as they look to avoid a historic low in their storied franchise's history.