Wembanyama Ruled Out as Spurs Prepare to Face Kings at Home

The San Antonio Spurs enter Sunday’s home matchup against the Sacramento Kings looking to rebound from a pair of frustrating losses—and they’ll have to do it without their most important player. Victor Wembanyama, who was initially listed as questionable with left calf tightness, has been downgraded to out. The decision marks the first time this season the 7-foot-4 centerpiece will miss a game.

San Antonio had held out hope that the Rookie of the Year candidate would be available after he participated in team activities earlier in the week. However, with the season still young and Wembanyama central to the franchise’s long-term plans, the Spurs opted for a conservative approach.

His absence comes at an inconvenient moment for a team that started the season hot but has since cooled, dropping consecutive home games to the Golden State Warriors in puzzling fashion. Coaches and training staff felt the risk of aggravating the injury outweighed the potential benefit of accelerating his return.

The Spurs remain 8–4—still comfortably positioned in the early Western Conference standings—but Sunday’s game now becomes a test of their depth and resilience as they try to regain rhythm without their emerging superstar.

1. Injury Decisions Shape Spurs’ Outlook

The Spurs’ decision to hold Wembanyama out reflects their awareness of both the injury’s nature and the broader context of the season. Calf issues have a history of worsening if not properly managed, and for a player with Wembanyama’s size and workload, even minor tightness can escalate without caution. Wembanyama’s recent play factored into the evaluation as well. After a blistering start to the season, the 20-year-old has cooled slightly—though he remains firmly in early MVP discussions. With the team stumbling defensively in its back-to-back losses to Golden State, forcing him back early may have led to unnecessary strain. Also on the Spurs’ injury list is rookie guard Dylan Harper, who continues to recover from his own left calf strain. Harper has missed several games and will remain sidelined on Sunday, stretching San Antonio’s backcourt depth even thinner. The injuries create an opportunity for supporting players to take on expanded roles—something Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has historically embraced during periods of roster disruption.

2. Kings Bring Their Own Injury Concerns

The Kings enter Sunday’s contest managing their own share of uncertainty. Domantas Sabonis and Precious Achiuwa are both listed as questionable, leaving Sacramento unsure about the availability of two frontcourt contributors. Sabonis, in particular, plays a central role in the Kings’ offensive structure, making his status closely watched. Keegan Murray remains out as he continues to deal with a lingering injury. The former lottery pick has been integral to Sacramento’s spacing and defensive versatility, and his absence forces the Kings to adjust their rotations significantly. Despite these challenges, the Kings have remained competitive early in the season by leaning on De’Aaron Fox’s scoring and the team’s high-tempo style. But if Sabonis is limited or unavailable, Sacramento’s ability to control the glass and initiate sets through the high post could be compromised. The potential absences on both sides heighten the importance of bench production, particularly in a matchup that could hinge on execution in half-court settings.

3. Spurs Seek Bounce-Back Performance

San Antonio’s back-to-back losses to the Warriors marked their most unsteady stretch of the season. Defensive lapses, miscues late in games, and a noticeable dip in offensive efficiency raised questions about whether the early season surge was sustainable. Sunday’s game offers an opportunity to reset. Even without Wembanyama, the Spurs possess young talent capable of stepping into larger roles—something the organization has emphasized throughout its rebuilding phase. How they manage the minutes, matchups, and offensive responsibilities will go a long way in determining whether they can stabilize their early-season momentum. The matchup also presents a chance to measure depth against a playoff-caliber team, an important benchmark for a franchise hoping to accelerate its growth curve. With both teams dealing with injuries, execution and effort may prove more decisive than star power. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET in San Antonio, where the Spurs aim to reestablish footing in the Western Conference race.