Spurs Star Wembanyama Out vs 76ers With Rib Contusion

Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the remainder of Monday’s game against the 76ers after suffering a left rib contusion from a first half fall. He played 16 minutes, four short of the threshold for a game to be counted, but will be granted a "near-miss" exception. Wembanyama has missed time this season with calf and knee problems and was limited to 46 games in 2024-25 after a deep vein thrombosis diagnosis. This year he’s been dominant at 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks while the Spurs sit 59-19 and second in the West. Merlin sees San Antonio staying careful. The club brought him off the bench earlier and will lean on veterans Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk if needed. The young phenom’s health is the true chess piece here. Protect him now and the Spurs keep their best path to the postseason intact; rush him and the ledger could change.