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Another potentially massive injury is now looming over the NBA Playoffs — this one to San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
The 22 year old Most Valuable Player candidate left San Antonio’s game Monday, April 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers with a left rib contusion. Suddenly, his candidacy for individual awards is in jeopardy.
Wembanyama appeared to suffer the injury after drawing contact multiple times in the first half. Late in the second quarter, with 2:56 left to play in the half, Wembanyama made a layup and bumped into Spurs forward Keldon Johnson as he landed. Wembanyama immediately grimaced and labored through the free throw. Earlier in the game, he also collided with Sixers forward Paul George.
Wembanyama was not out on the floor at the start of the second half, and backup center Luke Kornet started in his place. The Spurs announced shortly afterward that he would miss the remainder of the game with the rib injury.
— Polo (@PoloTheHooper) April 7, 2026In nearly 16 minutes of action Monday night, Wembanyama scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, adding 5 rebounds, 3 blocks and 1 assist.
Wembanyama was playing in his 63rd game of the season, not including the NBA Cup Final against the New York Knicks in December. He registered only 15:40 vs. Philadelphia Monday night before he was removed.
Wembanyama entered the night as the odds-on favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year and was also a candidate for MVP.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama injures rib during Spurs-76ers, out for rest of game
