CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 10, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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The San Antonio Spurs are going to roll without their top star center on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Victor Wembanyama is getting the second night of a back-to-back set off, due to "injury management," according to the official NBA injury report.

Thursday's action marks the first absence for Wembanyama since the Spurs' March 12 game against the Denver Nuggets. At the time, the Spurs saw their win streak get snapped with a 136-131 loss.

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When Wembanyama returned on March 14 to take on the Charlotte Hornets, he checked in for 31 minutes and scored 32 points, logging a double-double with 12 rebounds. The Spurs were back on track with a win. Once again, they've formed a long winning streak. With 10 games in a row, the Spurs haven't lost since Wembanyama returned from that lone absence.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

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Thursday's game against the Clippers will mean much for LA.

At this stage, the Clippers are fighting to take on the best NBA Play-In seed. Currently, the Phoenix Suns have the seventh seed with a 3.0-game lead.

As for the Spurs, Wembanyama's team is one of four Western Conference squads with a playoff berth clinched just a few weeks away from the postseason. The Spurs are entering Thursday's action with a 58-18 record. While the Spurs could catch the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are 2.0 games ahead, the Spurs can't lose hold of the second seed, having a 10.0-game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.

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This season, Wembanyama is putting together an MVP-worthy campaign. While a large chunk of the season favored Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic for the award, Wembanyama and Luka Doncic have been late bloomers in the race.

Offensively, Wembanyama has been averaging 24.7 points this season, while shooting 50.9% from the field and 35.0% from three. He also dished out 3.0 assists per game.

Defensively, Wembanyama will be a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. He is producing 11.5 rebounds per game, 1.0 steals per game, and leading the league with 3.1 blocks per game. This marks the third-straight year he's leading in blocks per game.

Without Wembanyama, the Spurs will tip off at 10:30 PM ET.

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