Victor Wembanyama is so massive that the SA Spurs can’t get away with it if he’s out of sight. Tonight, the Texas side listed the 7 ‘4″ hoopster out for the Chicago Bulls game after the loss against the Phoenix Suns. Notably, the Bulls entered the game with a short-handed side too, losing two of their key assets to injuries ahead of the challenge. It looks like both teams will have an even contest in the absence of the young Frenchman. Above all, let’s find out what’s holding back the big man.

Victor Wembanyama reportedly suffered a back injury during the final minutes of the loss against the Suns. While 6 ’11 Zach Collins was expected to replace him on the starting lineup, the latest update revealed that Jeremy Sochan picked up the No.5 spot.

The Spurs had a clean injury report slate before it, but suddenly the team added Wemby’s name, citing a bilateral low back soreness. Notably, this is the fourth miss for the rising star this season. Earlier, he missed three games in a row, owing to a knee injury.

While the Spurs haven’t revealed the number of games that Victor Wembanyama would/could miss, it’s definitely a great day for the Bulls to work on their streak. The last time the Chicago team got on a winning streak was on October 30.

They also listed 3 main players, Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Lonzo Ball, on the injury report ahead of the game. Somehow, Giddey, who was questionable with a sprained ankle, made it to the lineup. So, Wemby’s absence was in a way an act of balance of power.

At the same time, Zach LaVine, the leader of the Bulls, said, “I think Wemby is off the charts… I think he’s the best defensive player in the league,” ahead of the game. Unfortunately, he has to wait a bit longer to face him.

How will Victor Wembanyama’s absence help the Bulls?

Coming into the 2024-25 season, Victor Wembanyama is undoubtedly a threat but still a strong ‘work in progress’. Last season, Coach Greg Popovich used the rookie on minute-restriction without worrying about the 60 imposing losses. The veteran coach stood on his philosophy to develop a talent for the years to come. Guess what? It certainly paid dividends.

Almost two months in, Wemby is already the Best Defensive Player in the West for October and November. Despite having a dynamic offensive bag that is scattered all over the court, he also holds his ground on the defensive end. He led the NBA in blocks last season, recording almost 4 per game. Apart from denying buckets near the rim, he blocks shots near the perimeter with his long wing span.

By now, it should have been clear how the Bulls can take advantage of the Wemby-less Spurs. Zach LaVine & Co. can attack the paint and outscore the Texas side meanwhile taking more shots from the perimeter as well. Heading into halftime, the Bulls have already stamped their authority with a 16-point lead and outscored the Spurs on the paint with 36 points.

Will Chris Paul & Co. bounce back? Let us know your predictions in the comments.