The San Antonio Spurs announced that Victor Wembanyama will miss Thursday night's game against the Denver Nuggets due to right ankle soreness. The team made the decision about 45 minutes before tipoff, ruling out the star center for the highly anticipated matchup featuring Nikola Jokic and two of the Western Conference's top teams.

Wembanyama had been listed as questionable on the NBA injury report ahead of the game. He tested the ankle during pregame warmups before the Spurs coaching staff decided to keep him sidelined. Coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the team's cautious approach with their franchise player.

The Spurs view this as a short-term issue rather than a long-term concern. Johnson stated they're being mindful of Wembanyama's health while noting the injury appears to be more about how the 7-foot-3 center is feeling rather than any significant risk to his future availability.