The 7-foot-4 rookie suffered a rib contusion in a late-season collision with Paul George on April 6, which caused him to miss two of San Antonio’s final three regular-season games. He did play 26 minutes in the one game he appeared in, just enough to remain postseason-eligible.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson voiced confidence entering the playoffs, saying Wembanyama is fully prepared for Game 1 and expected to be ready for the opening matchup against Portland. Wembanyama himself acknowledged he is not at 100% health, but said he is “close to being really good” as the series begins.
This will mark Wembanyama’s first trip to the postseason, as the Spurs pursue their first playoff run since a six-year drought ended last season. San Antonio sits as the No. 2 seed, continuing a historic franchise arc that built five championships under long-time coach Gregg Popovich.
Beyond the rib injury, Wembanyama has a noted injury history, including multiple lower-body issues and a shoulder blood-clotting condition in his second season. He has also experienced ankle and calf concerns this season, though he has continued to play and contribute at a high level when healthy.
As the Spurs prepare for a potential long playoff push, the question remains whether Wembanyama can sustain efficiency and impact across the entire series. For now, the medical outlook suggests he can push through the first round, with the final verdict dependent on how his body responds as the games wear on.
