Victor Wembanyama played in every single game this season until Saturday’s clash against the Dallas Mavericks. The 7’4 Frenchman averaged 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.7 blocks while shooting a brilliant 47.2% from the field and 33.9% from the deep. And all of this in 31.5 minutes on any given night! There’s a reason why Wemby was unanimously selected as ROTY last year.

However, the Spurs will find themselves without these numbers, as they prepare for their second NBA Cup matchup against Oklahoma City tonight. San Antonio’s ace card will be sitting out this matchup as he recovers from a bruised right knee. As you might remember, Wembanyama sustained a collision to his knees in the team’s first NBA Cup game against the Lakers.

The 20-year-old collided with Anthony Davis midway through the fourth quarter, ending up with a foul, and a brief exit, before returning to finish with 28 points and 14 rebounds in Spurs’ 115-120 loss.

That said, reporter, Raul Dominguez Jr., couldn’t help but be appreciative of Wemby’s determination, as he tweeted the latest injury update. “Victor Wembanyama, aka Victory, will miss his second straight game with bruised right knee. Keep in mind Wemby stayed in Friday’s loss to the Lakers after bumping knees with Anthony Davis in the 4th quarter. Wemby wanted to win that Lakers game. Young man is a fierce competitor.”

In his absence, chances are that Zach Collins would fill his place in the lineup. Collins was among the starters as they went up against the Mavs. He finished yet another Spurs loss with 20 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and one steal in 26 minutes. Aside from Victor Wembanyama, the Silver & Black might find themselves a guard short, as Devin Vassell is ‘questionable’ with a sore left knee.

The Spurs brace for Thunder clash without Victor Wembanyama!

There is no doubt that the OKC Thunder pose as a challenging opponent. For starters, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Co. lead the Western Conference with an 11-3 record, tied with the reigning champions for the second-best record in the league! With the NBA blocks leader out and Vassell’s status up in the air, the Spurs will have to dig deep into their bench.

As mentioned above, Collins will have to step up his game further tonight. But he won’t be alone as names like Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, Sando Mamukelashvili, etc. will also need to bring their A-game to stand a chance against OKC. But perhaps, San Antonio might have a wild card with them. Well, rather than a wild card, he is an X factor.

Charles Bassey was a welcome surprise for the Spurs amidst their defeat at the hands of Dallas. The Nigerian 6’10 center/forward put up a spectacular display in terms of a defensive ace, as he finished with three blocks in a season-high 22 minutes. It wouldn’t be surprising if the team relied on Bassey for his defensive abilities and rebounding to support Zach Collins.

San Antonio’s hope to stand a chance hinges on these role players stepping up defensively and on the glass up against an Oklahoma squad that, even without Chet Holmgrem, remains formidable.