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Victor Wembanyama on his health

The San Antonio Spurs are entering the 2026 NBA Playoffs with momentum and renewed expectations after securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Their first-round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers marks the franchise’s first postseason appearance since 2019, signaling a rapid turnaround led by Victor Wembanyama.

Health has been one of the key storylines surrounding San Antonio heading into the playoffs. Wembanyama dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season, including a rib issue late in the regular season that limited his availability. However, the Spurs received a significant boost this week as their star center provided a positive update on his condition.

“I’m really close to being there,” Wembanyama said, via Maxime Aubin of L’Équipe. “But during the season, you’re never really at 100%, there’s always something. But yeah, if we compare to regular season form, I’m close to being really good.” The update offers reassurance for a team preparing for high-stakes games, with Wembanyama expected to be available for Game 1.

Victor Wembanyama Injury Update Before NBA Playoffs

GettySan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama’s comments reflect both optimism and realism as the postseason begins. While he acknowledged that no player is fully healthy at this stage of the season, he made clear that his condition has improved compared to recent weeks.

The 22-year-old had been managing a rib injury suffered late in the regular season. That issue forced him to miss time and raised concerns about his readiness for the playoffs. Despite that, he returned in time to deliver a dominant 40-point performance against the Dallas Mavericks, which also ensured he met the NBA’s 65-game requirement for awards eligibility.

Over the course of the season, Wembanyama has dealt with several physical setbacks, including calf, knee, ankle, and rib issues. Even so, he maintained elite production, averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game while leading the league in blocks for the third consecutive year.

His impact has extended beyond individual numbers. Wembanyama’s presence has transformed the Spurs into one of the top teams in the conference, with his defensive dominance and two-way versatility anchoring their success.

Head coach Mitch Johnson reinforced that outlook, stating that Wembanyama is fully ready to go for the playoff opener. The combination of the player’s own assessment and the coaching staff’s confirmation provides clarity ahead of Game 1.

San Antonio Spurs Playoff Preparation and Team Outlook

GettySan Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson with his team

The Spurs’ return to the postseason represents a significant shift from recent seasons. After finishing near the bottom of the standings just two years ago, San Antonio closed the 2025-26 campaign with a 62-20 record, including a strong finish over the final stretch.

Wembanyama has been central to that transformation. In just his third season, he has emerged as both an MVP candidate and a leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year. His ability to influence games on both ends of the court has positioned the Spurs as legitimate contenders.

“This is what you work on all year, but really your whole career,” Wembanyama said when discussing the playoffs. “We’re dreaming of the playoffs as kids before we come here.”

The Spurs will face a Portland Trail Blazers team that advanced through the Play-In Tournament. While San Antonio holds the higher seed and home-court advantage, the focus remains on execution and maintaining form.

Johnson emphasized a straightforward approach heading into the series. “Be better,” he said, noting that the team does not plan to significantly change its preparation despite the heightened stakes.

With Wembanyama nearing full health, the Spurs appear well-positioned to begin their playoff run. His availability removes a major uncertainty and allows San Antonio to enter the postseason with its core intact.

As the series begins, the Spurs will rely on their young star to translate regular-season success into playoff performance. Based on his latest update, Wembanyama is expected to take the floor close to peak condition at the most important time of the year.