Victor Wembanyama’s Mysterious Absence Leaves NBA Cup Quarterfinals Against Lakers Hanging in the Balance

Victor Wembanyama is inching closer to shaking off that nagging calf strain that’s kept him benched since mid-November — and believe me, Spurs fans have been holding their breath for this return. But hold up, don’t get your hopes up just yet for the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Although he was initially listed as a maybe, the Spurs announced Tuesday night that their towering center won’t suit up against the Los Angeles Lakers this Wednesday. It’s a tough pill to swallow considering this will be his 12th consecutive game missed since November 14, yet the Spurs have somehow kept their mojo, going 8-3 without their star big man and punching their ticket as the No. 3 seed in the West. Still, the looming question remains: can they truly take the next step without Wembanyama on the court? Stay tuned, because this story is far from over. LEARN MORE

Victor Wembanyama is closing on his return from a calf strain that’s sidelined him mid-November.

But he won’t make that return for the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Previously listed as questionable, Wembanyama was ruled out by the Spurs Tuesday night for Wednesday’s NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wembanyama has been sidelined with his injury since Nov. 14. Wednesday’s game will mark the 12th straight that he’s missed since being injured.

The Spurs, however, have thrived in Wembanyama’s absence and gone 8-3 in the game’s that he’s missed. They’re off to a 16-7 start and earned the No. 3 seed in the West in the NBA Cup knockout round. But if they’re going to advance, they’ll do so without their superstar center.

This story will be updated.