NBA Basketball 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 10:51 PM ET
NBA Injury Updates
The San Antonio Spurs ruled out espn.com Victor Wembanyama for Thursday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets due to right ankle soreness, depriving fans of a highly anticipated showdown between the French phenom and two-time MVP Nikola Jokić. The Spurs announced the decision hours before tipoff, citing the need to protect their franchise cornerstone after he aggravated the injury during Wednesday's practice. Wembanyama's absence leaves San Antonio shorthanded against a Nuggets team that's been surging in the Western Conference standings, with Jokić and Jamal Murray looking to extend Denver's four-game winning streak. The timing is particularly challenging for the Spurs, who've been battling for a play-in tournament spot and now must navigate this crucial stretch without their defensive anchor and leading scorer.