Dec 2, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) along with center Bismack Biyombo (18) and assistant coach Matt Nielsen watch the first half of play against the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Wednesday night features the Western Conference side of the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. And we're getting a fantastic, on-paper matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers in Southern California.

Unfortunately, the game won't be as star-studded as it could be.

Third-year center Victor Wembanyama has already been ruled out for the game against the Lakers as he continues recovering from a left calf strain. As he deals with this delicate, soft-tissue injury, Wembanyama has not played in a game since November 14th. For what it's worth, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson did previously mention Wembanyama could have returned on the Spurs' current road trip. Now, it's clear the Spurs don't want to rush their franchise player and risk exacerbating an injury that already faces a challenging (and finicky) recovery process.

For what it's worth, if the Spurs do not beat the Lakers, they won't play another game until a home date with the Washington Wizards ... next week. Provided Wembanyama continues progressing well, his return to San Antonio's lineup seems much more likely then.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is Victor Wembanyama playing for Spurs on Wednesday night?

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

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