Wembanyama set to return against Grizzlies, will play limited minutes off bench
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will be available Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies after missing the past two contests with a bone bruise in his left knee, head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed Saturday.
Johnson said the 22-year-old French star will come off the bench and operate under a strict minutes limit, mirroring the approach the club used when a calf strain kept him sidelined for 12 games earlier this season.
Wembanyama was hurt on Dec. 31 during a loss to the New York Knicks while jostling for a rebound between Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson. He immediately clutched his left knee and did not return. An MRI the next day showed no ligament damage.
The rookie sensation has now missed 14 games in 2025-26 — 12 because of the calf issue and two for the knee bruise. Under the NBA’s 65-game minimum for postseason awards, he can sit out just four more contests and remain eligible.
Asked whether that rule influenced the decision to activate Wembanyama, Johnson noted several factors, including the player’s long-term health, his competitiveness and the franchise’s early-stage development. “Our priority is his future,” the coach said, adding that internal discussions about workload are ongoing.
When Wembanyama returned from the calf injury, he came off the bench in six straight games before rejoining the starting lineup on Dec. 27 against the Utah Jazz. He leads San Antonio in scoring (24.0 points per game), rebounds (11.6) and blocks (3.0).
Johnson also revealed that Wembanyama has repeatedly lobbied to play, telling team staff he feels ready. The organization, he said, will continue to “protect him from himself” by monitoring his minutes until the medical staff recommends otherwise.
Source: ESPN
