Doctor Reveals Victor Wembanyama Injury MRI and Hints at Potential Return Timeline

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs did not have a great ending to their New Year's Eve clash against the New York Knicks. Early in the fourth quarter, Wembanyama suffered a hyperextended left knee. He left the game and did not return to action.

Fans were immediately concerned about Wembanyama's well-being. Especially since he had just returned from a calf injury, which had kept him away for 12 straight games. Dr. Jesse Morse on X gave an update on the recent injury of the Frenchman.

"Wembanyama's ailing left knee revealed no ligament damage, and team officials remain optimistic their centerpiece star avoided serious injury," the doctor posted.

He also gave an estimated return timeline for the 7-foot-4 center.

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"Wouldn’t be surprised if he misses 1-2 games."

This is great news for Wembanyama and Spurs fans. Not having to miss a significant number of games is important, since they need him to be present on the court.

Even without Wembanyama for most of the fourth quarter, the Spurs still managed to have a 134-132 win. The star big man finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds. He was excellent on the floor and shot 83.3% of his attempts from the field. It was Julian Champagnie who led the team in scoring.

The forward had 36 points, a career-high. Champagnie made 11 shots from beyond the arc and shot 64.7%.

The Spurs traveled to Indianapolis to face the Pacers on Friday. However, the big man did not travel with the team, according to insider Michael Wright. The reporter said that Victor Wembanyama could be listed as questionable for Saturday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Victor Wembanyama's postseason awards are at risk

This season, Victor Wembanyama has struggled with several injuries, which have impacted his ability to win honors throughout the regular season. According to Fansided's Josh Paredes, the big man could be ineligible for the Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, All-NBA, or All-Defensive teams. That is, if he continues to miss more games.

NBA awards have a requirement for each player to play at least 65 games in the regular season. Right now, he's played 21 games in the year. He needs to play 43 more games in the season.

The Spurs have 48 games left. After the team's game on Friday, he can't miss six more games, or he'll be ineligible.

Health has been the biggest issue for Victor Wembanyama early in his career. Last season, he only played 46 games and missed out on winning the Defensive Player of the Year. This season, while he's the early favorite to win the award, he could miss out on another chance due to injury.

Edited by Reign Amurao